MAPPING EQUITY
QUANTITY
TARGET
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FOREWORD
Many of us are drawn to architecture by the potential of design to improve the world around us, to shape buildings and cities in ways that provide shelter, inspire with beauty, and promote equitable communities and a more sustainable world. However, we don’t work in a vacuum. We work for clients with their own goals and values. At our best, we find ways through design to meet these goals while unlocking possibilities.
Equality and freedom have always been at the center of the American story. Yet as we’ve begun to understand our history more fully, we recognize that inequality has been present since the beginning, from the displacement of Indigenous Peoples by European settlers to the introduction of race-based slavery in 1619. To be both “the land of the free” and a land made prosperous through displacement and the holding of human beings in slavery required that we build ways of “not seeing”, discounting, or rationalizing this injustice. Land could then be seized, and free labor extracted through violence by asserting that those impacted were uncivilized or not fully human.
These mental structures and justifications for unequal treatment have been passed from one generation to the next and have, until recently, been largely unspoken and unquestioned. When inequality was codified by law and policy in previous generations, from Jim Crow to redlining, it established “facts on the ground,” stark gaps in education, wealth, and access that constitute an uneven playing field. The persistence of these mental structures, reflected in implicit bias, is why we somehow accept a society where some reap the benefits of an industrial society, and others disproportionately bear the brunt of pollution and climate change.
What can designers do? We can start by learning to see what’s truly around us, measuring and mapping it, understanding how we got here, and actively engaging in community-based efforts to make things better. This has been the focus of 2023-2024 Research Fellowship at EskewDumezRipple, “Just | Change”. Research Fellows Elisa Castañeda and Aïda Ayuk built connections with community groups working on environmental and climate justice issues. They heard their stories, read background studies, and helped bring their analytical and narrative skills, and sometimes their physical labor, in support of the initiatives of these groups. They also helped our firm learn from, connect, and support these efforts.
The work that follows, authored by Aïda Ayuk, compiles some of what’s been learned over the course of this year. We hope readers find this a helpful first step in their own initiatives. Change starts with learning to look and learning to listen. Where we take it is up to us.
Z Smith Principal | Director of Sustainability & Building Performance EskewDumezRipple
ABOUT THIS BOOK
JUST | CHANGE FELLOWSHIP
“The burdens and risks of climate change are not falling equally on everyone.
The poor and communities of color, who have typically contributed the least towards climate change, are shouldering a disproportionate share of the impacts of extreme heat, severe storms, flooding, and wildfires. This imbalance between who benefits and who suffers is similar to the patterns observed by those concerned with issues of environmental justice, where these same communities are often those with the highest exposure to environmental hazards: air pollution, contaminated soils, toxic wastes.”
- Excerpt from the EskewDumezRipple 2023 Just | Change Fellowship Brief
THE FELLOWSHIP PROCESS
I joined EskewDumezRipple as the 2023-2024 Research Fellow, focusing on environmental justice in our dual office cities of New Orleans and Washington D.C., where I grew up.
Traditional design practices often overlook the nuanced needs and opportunities within communities, leading to solutions that miss critical local issues and perpetuate existing disparities. To address this, direct engagement with stakeholders was prioritized throughout the fellowship through interviews, support for ongoing initiatives, and relationship building. This approach consistently revealed that communities facing significant challenges develop creative, authentic solutions in response. These grassroots efforts, in turn, provide valuable lessons that can enhance and extend the impact of design, making them core to the practice.
This book is intended to show readers ways to connect equity issues to opportunities. The structure encourages readers to think differently, analyze site contexts critically, and evaluate project sites for equity-based opportunities, ensuring a more equitable impact.
Let’s create spaces that are responsive to the communities that they serve.
Aïda Ayuk
Just | Change Research Fellow EskewDumezRipple
HOW THIS BOOK WORKS
The book is divided into six chapters:
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
QUANTITY OF PEOPLE
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
INTERSECTIONALITY
TARGET AREA VULNERABILITIES
YES TO ENGAGEMENT
RELEVANT SUBMETRICS TO ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHAPTER. Each Chapter Overview is followed by an assessment metric:
ASSESSMENT METRIC
Following the assessment metric, to explore ways to translate collected stories, data, and research into tangible applications, a number of submetrics are examined through a repeated series:
NARRATIVE
DEEP DIVE SPATIAL MAPPING
CASE STUDY
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM INTERVIEWS WITH COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS.
SUPPLEMENTAL IN-DEPTH ANALYSES OF KEY ASSESSMENT SUBMETRICS.
SIMPLIFIED VISUALS SHOWING WAYS TO INTERPRET EJ SCREENING DATA.
KEY ASSESSMENT SUBMETRICS EXAMINED THROUGH DESIGN PROJECTS.
Environmental Justice (EJ) Screening: Process that identifies and assesses environmental risks in vulnerable communities to address disparities.
Q U I T Y
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESS ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS
ASSESSMENT SUBMETRICS
HISTORICAL EVENTS
ANTICIPATED RISK
ECOLOGICAL CHANGES
SYSTEMS IN PLACE
TEMPERATURE
AIR QUALITY
ECOSYSTEM POLLUTION
SENSORY POLLUTION
“Sometimes, it takes a natural disaster to reveal a social disaster.”
- Jim Wallis
Assessing a site and its surroundings for environmental stressors like natural disasters, temperature extremes, and pollution is not just a technical task, it’s a window into understanding an area’s well-being and resilience. Environmental stressors extend beyond physical impacts, profoundly influencing the senses and shaping how individuals experience and engage with their environment daily. For instance, consider a coastal town vulnerable to hurricanes; this known reality prompts investments in storm protection for immediate safety and calls for long-term resilience strategies that enhance communities.
The aftermath of natural disasters often unveils underlying social and economic vulnerabilities in communities. In New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina exposed systemic inequalities in housing and emergency response, highlighting the urgent need for equitable disaster preparedness and recovery plans. Similarly, heat waves in urban areas disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods with limited access to green spaces or air conditioning, revealing systemic issues in urban planning and social equity. Many of these communities are also disproportionately affected by industrial pollution, resulting in health disparities and underscoring the importance of environmental justice.
It’s critical to address environmental stressors not as obstacles but as opportunities to innovate and enhance experiences. By integrating sustainable and resilient design principles, spaces can withstand environmental pressures and increase well-being and inclusivity.
Jim Wallis, God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets
Wrong
To address risk, assess existing and future conditions for their Environmental Impact
HISTORICAL EVENTS
Environmental impacts of natural disasters, human activities, or past industrial accidents providing critical context for current conditions and potential vulnerabilities.
ANTICIPATED RISK
Potential or expected future threats such as climate change effects, invasive species, or land use changes proven by scientific models and expert predictions.
ECOLOGICAL CHANGES
Shifts in biodiversity, habitat loss, species populations, and ecological interactions caused by human activities or natural phenomena that impact ecosystem health.
SYSTEMS IN PLACE
Existing infrastructure and physical systems, as well as policy frameworks, such as environmental management systems, regulatory compliance, and programs.
TEMPERATURE
Long-term trends and fluctuations in temperature, including seasonal variations, extremes, and climate change impacts on ecosystems and human health and behavior.
AIR QUALITY
Measured levels and types of pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and ozone in the atmosphere and the identified sources of pollutants.
ECOSYSTEM POLLUTION
Contamination and spread of pollutants in ecosystems (soil, water bodies, or marine environments) by pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, or chemical spills.
SENSORY POLLUTION
Non-chemical stressors like noise pollution (transportation, industry, or urban activities), or light pollution (artificial lighting disrupting natural rhythms and behavior).
Connect Experiences to Larger Issues
“The grass in the park looks patchy and yellow; it’s disappointing.”
“The road noise is so bad; I can’t get a good night’s sleep.”
“The river always looks murky and discolored; it’s really worrying.”
“The temperature seems to be changing more than usual.”
“The air feels so heavy today; I can barely see across the street.”
“I’ve noticed there are fewer birds in my yard lately.”
“Power outages seem to be happening more frequently; it’s getting frustrating.”
“The flooding in my yard is getting worse; I can’t afford this.”
“It feels like the humidity is getting worse; I’m having trouble breathing.”
"There's a strange smell in the air; I don't know where it's coming from."
"The weather looks ominous; are we safe here?"
“I’m worried about the next storm; are we prepared?”
“I’m dreading how many times we’ll need to boil water this year.”
“The summers feel hotter every year; I heard we set a record high last month.”
This is a story about turning individual concerns into collective action and education.
SCALING COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Recognizing the link between individual concerns and broader societal impacts highlights the crucial role of systems thinking. Uncovering these connections helps reveal root issues so that they can be properly addressed.
Dana Eness, Executive Director of the Urban Conservancy, leads key programs in New Orleans. The Stay Local initiative supports local businesses, the Basin Program educates kids on land use and water issues, and the Front Yard Initiative (FYI) incentivizes homeowners to remove paving and design their own stormwater management projects.
“The problem we identified in 2015 came to us through local constituents saying, ‘Hey, I’m noticing [increased flooding] in my neighborhood.’”
DANA ENESS
Executive Director
The Urban Conservancy
The FYI program began in response to flooding concerns caused by neighbors installing excessive paving. Instead of penalizing homeowners, FYI reimburses per sqft of paving removed and guides residents through the logistics of implementing a stormwater management project.
In 2017, recognizing homeowners’ unique needs and lifestyles, Urban Conservancy and EskewDumezRipple developed an FYI toolkit to empower residents in the design process.
Front Yard Initiative (FYI), Urban Conservancy. Sketch from a FYI participant.
MEASURING QUALITATIVE BENEFITS
Through supporting minority-owned small businesses, the program has also fostered intergenerational connections, exemplified by the two-woman stormwater management team, Mastodonte, who have built a strong relationship with a Lakeview retiree participating in the program.
“They became such close friends, and there’s a 40-year age difference. They’re from very different backgrounds, but they really loved each other’s company. They just loved each other.”
By funding over 154 projects, the program goes beyond quantitative metrics to emphasize residents’ well-being. It serves as a model for equitable stormwater management, stimulating job growth, building social cohesion, and empowering residents to lead city improvements.
“The goal was to create a movement of people where the more they knew, the more excited they got and the more invested they got in green infrastructure and nature-based solutions.”
“They’re noticing. They’re feeling a difference. They’re feeling better about living here and feeling good about what they’ve done. They’re educating their neighbors about why it’s important and voting for things related to water management. They’re engaging and feeling empowered, informed.”
- DANA ENESS
ORIGIN OF THE LEVEE SYSTEMS
In flood-prone cities, effective flood protection is essential for safety and stability. New Orleans faces unique challenges due to its location and water history. Subsidence, the gradual sinking of land, whether caused by fault movements, soil compaction, or drying of organic material, exacerbates the city’s flood risk. The drainage system, while intended to manage excess water, prevents rainwater from soaking into the ground, which accelerates land subsidence.
Now, largely sunken below sea level and bordered by the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans is highly susceptible to flooding from storm surges and heavy rainfall. Levees play a critical role in protecting areas and infrastructure from inundation. Without them, the city would face constant flood threats. However,
levees also contribute to subsidence by restricting the flow of the Mississippi River, which hampers the natural deposition of sediment that once replenished land during regular floods.
The “keep the water out” approach dates back to early French and Spanish settlers who recognized the need to control water levels in this marshy region. Levee construction began in the late 18th century with earthen embankments reinforced with logs and brush, primarily built by enslaved laborers, Indigenous Peoples, and immigrant workers. Over time, these methods have advanced with improvements in engineering and materials, with agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers playing a significant role in maintaining and enhancing the city’s flood defenses.
Keep the Water Out.
LEVERAGE WATER IN THE CITY
Cities in flood-prone areas can adopt a “living with water” philosophy, which involves adapting urban planning and infrastructure to harmonize with natural water systems. This shift in perspective transforms water from a perceived threat into a valuable resource. By focusing on more than just flood protection, water management practices can mitigate risks while enhancing urban biodiversity, water quality, and community health. Engaging and educating the community about these practices drive greater support for sustainable water management.
Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable surfaces, manages stormwater runoff by slowing, absorbing, and filtering it. This approach reduces the burden on traditional drainage
systems and decreases the need for extensive flood control measures.
Embracing nature-based water management principles can lead to resilient urban designs with multiple benefits. Green spaces created through these systems improve urban ecosystems, offer recreational opportunities, enhance air quality, lower temperatures, and provide wildlife habitats. Integrated strategies support sustainable water use, and collaboration between public and private sectors can accelerate the implementation of these approaches, advancing a comprehensive and effective urban water management system.
Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, Living with Water ®, September 2013. Waggonner & Ball.
Site: Gentilly Neighborhood, New Orleans
Location of the Mirabeau Water Garden and Stormwater Lots Project case studies.
ISOLATE & SIMPLIFY SIGNIFICANT FACTORS
When investigating environmental impacts, the process can begin by focusing on a specific factor for a detailed analysis. For example, the Gentilly Neighborhood is located in a FEMA flood zone, with additional flood zones surrounding it. This highlights the more considerable importance of effective water management strategies.
Proposed strategies should address the specific needs of the individual neighborhood while also considering the broader processes and impacts of natural disasters. It’s important to note additional compounding effects and adapt management approaches to reflect both critical local conditions and overarching environmental challenges.
ASSESS HOW UNIQUE FACTORS AFFECT LARGER ISSUES
Environmental impact priorities may vary significantly by city. Regarding flooding, while some cities may focus on critical infrastructure or transportation vulnerabilities, in New Orleans, the focus is often on safeguarding its consistently vulnerable population, reflecting the city’s unique considerations.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
New Orleans’ history of flooding underscores the city’s vulnerability and the importance of resilient infrastructure and community preparedness.
ANTICIPATED RISK
Due to climate change, storms are becoming more frequent and intense, and the likelihood of severe flooding in New Orleans remains high.
ECOLOGICAL CHANGES
Rising sea levels and subsidence continue to alter New Orleans’ landscape, impacting wetlands and natural barriers, thereby increasing the city’s susceptibility to flooding.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CASE STUDY
MIRABEAU WATER GARDEN AND STORMWATER LOTS PROJECT
CONSIDER SCALES OF INTERVENTIONS
COMMUNITY
STORMWATER PROJECTS
Multiple small lots can add up to be as impactful as a single large-scale project.
Water management spans various scales, and understanding ongoing city efforts is necessary to support or take on efforts to tackle challenging issues such as permitting, excessive paving removal, or large-scale initiatives.
In Gentilly, New Orleans, the Mirabeau Water Garden by Waggonner & Ball and Carbo Landscape Architects is transforming a damaged convent site into a green space for water management. The site, donated by the Congregation of St. Joseph after Hurricane Katrina, honors the convent’s legacy of community service. It will use bioswales and native grasses to reduce flooding, tap into existing drainage systems, and enhance local infrastructure to address critical drainage needs.
Similarly, the Stormwater Lots Project by Dana Brown & Associates, in partnership with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), leverages vacant residential lots for water management. By implementing green infrastructure and custom drainage systems, the project aims to ease the burden on the city’s drainage system, manage runoff, and reduce localized flooding, enhancing neighborhoods. These transformed lots will also serve as small parks, enriching community green spaces.
Beyond environmental benefits, both projects set a new standard for urban water management and serve as educational and recreational centers, engaging residents with nature and sustainable practices.
Mirabeau Water Garden, City of New Orleans, LA. Waggonner & Ball.
THIS IS A HOLISTIC STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT
The Stormwater Lots Project (Dana Brown & Associates), managed with NORA, uses green solutions to address poststorm infrastructure strain and serves as community spaces.
YES TO ENGAGEMENT
Active community engagement is essential for nurturing pride and a sense of ownership among neighborhood residents, particularly in large-scale projects. As green infrastructure initiatives expand, meaningful community consultation becomes central to addressing potential concerns and minimize opposition. Collaborative efforts between various stakeholders can help foster broader public sustainable development goals.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
Gentilly has faced significant environmental challenges due to historical flooding, exacerbated by subsidence and aging drainage infrastructure. Both projects reimagine community spaces to mitigate anticipated flooding through a resilience lens.
ANTICIPATED RISK
Climate change effects are expected to increase the frequency and severity of flooding in New Orleans. Both projects are designed to anticipate and mitigate these risks through innovative engineering and multi-functional nature-based solutions.
ECOLOGICAL CHANGES
Though significantly different in scale, both projects use nature-based design principles to enhance groundwater infiltration, improve regional water quality, and reduce subsidence while supporting the growth of native plants and wildlife.
Stormwater Lots Project, New Orleans, LA, 2017. Dana Brown & Associates, New Orleans Redevelopment Authority.
This story is about working together on small issues to address large-scale urban issues.
RENEWING A CITY’S CANOPY
Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL), a nonprofit in New Orleans, Louisiana, goes beyond tree planting by embracing a strategy of education, advocacy, and community engagement. Through their Community Forestry Project, SOUL strategically plants large, native trees to tackle challenges like flooding, subsidence, and public health. Their educational series underscores the significance of urban trees, engaging a diverse audience of community partners, professionals, and students.
SOUL advocates for a no-net-loss tree policy, actively protecting trees on both public and private property. Their volunteer programs draw participants from around the country, offering hands-on opportunities to contribute to New Orleans’ urban forest by
planting trees in clusters. This approach supports reforestation efforts while promoting a sense of community and provides a meaningful way for volunteers to make a positive impact.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans lost over 200,000 trees to polluted, brackish floodwaters and powerful winds. Despite ongoing recovery efforts, the city’s current tree canopy covers just 18.5% of its area. Understanding the fundamental role of a healthy tree canopy in enhancing climate resilience, SOUL partnered with landscape architects at Spackman Mossop Michaels (SMM) to develop the New Orleans Reforestation Plan. The goal is to bring every neighborhood up to a minimum of 10% canopy coverage by 2040. SOUL is actively implementing this plan with the support of volunteers.
FOSTERING GREENSPACE DIALOGUE
Operating as an opt-out program, staff and volunteers navigate numerous conversations about trust and intention with local residents. The nature of the work also brings together people eager to engage in informal discussions about challenges and potential actions in neighborhoods
Formal outreach initiatives involve engaging with professionals, city employees, and community members through roundtable meetings and public forums, gathering valuable feedback on reforestation challenges and effective strategies.
These collaboration efforts are accompanied by rigorous research, including satellite data analysis, to make informed planting decisions and track maintenance and overall coverage. In addition, SOUL works with arborists and landscape architecture firms to tailor their approach to the unique conditions of New Orleans
SOUL’s multifaceted approach aims to replenish the city’s green cover and foster a deeper understanding of the profound impact trees have on urban communities, planting a healthier and more resilient future for New Orleans.
SOUL, New Orleans, LA, 2022. New Orleans Reforestation Plan.
DID YOU KNOW?
Our city’s health...
REDUCE CLIMATE STRESSORS
Our cities are changing. Environmental stressors are at the heart of this transformation, shaping public health challenges and contributing to hostile social dynamics. Longer, more intense heat waves exemplify this shift, fueled by the welldocumented urban heat island effect in densely populated areas.
The traditional urban landscape, characterized by concentrated structures, non-reflective surfaces, and limited greenery, contributes to elevated temperatures and an intensified urban heat island effect. This, in turn, impacts public health and human behavior. The effects go beyond mere discomfort; they manifest as serious health hazards such as respiratory problems, exhaustion, and heat strokes.
Additionally, there is a notable increase in aggression and violence.
blood pressure, which can escalate anger and violence. Moreover, noise pollution in urban areas further aggravates violent tendencies, with similar studies linking higher crime rates to increased noise levels.
Cities can address these challenges by prioritizing green infrastructure, such as parks and tree-lined streets, to reduce noise, pollution, and heat. Incorporating cool pavement technologies and promoting public and active transportation can also help lower pollution and health risks.
Bureau of Justice Statistics, Seasonal Patterns in Criminal Victimization Trends, U.S. DOJ, 2014.
A report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics highlights a seasonal rise in violent crimes, especially during the summer months. Hot weather raises body temperature, heart rate, and
Developing emergency plans and raising awareness are integral to creating safer urban environments. Interdisciplinary efforts to educate communities and policymakers are essential, especially in formerly red-lined areas where minorities are the majority. These communities often lack green spaces and face higher pollution levels, which worsen health impacts. Addressing these issues with effective mitigation strategies is vital as environmental challenges continue to escalate.
TEMPERATURE DISPARITIES
SOUL, New Orleans, LA, 2022. New Orleans Reforestation Plan. ISeeChange, & New Orleans Health Department. (2024). Diagram of a heat mapping model showing local temperature differences of up to 18°, overlayed on 2023 census data on median incomes and race from hotter and cooler neighborhoods in New Orleans.
Daytime Temps
18° Temperature Difference Between Neighborhoods
$5,000
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
SPATIAL MAPPING
This map shows that when an area has multiple issues that overlap, it makes each issue worse.
Air Quality
TOXIC
RELEASES TO AIR
A percentile based on the average annual chemical concentrations in air weighted by the toxicity of each chemical.
91st PERCENTILE
Site: Bywater Neighborhood, New Orleans Location of the Crescent Park case study.
95th PERCENTILE
Site
Bywater Neighborhood
Ecosystem Pollution
LEAD PAINT EXPOSURE
A percentile based on housing units built before 1960, indicating potential lead exposure.
Temperature
URBAN HEAT ISLAND HOT SPOTS
Relative heat severity hot spots, categorized by the Jenks Natural Breaks method, revealing the health hazards posed by heat, particularly for vulnerable populations.
EJSCREEN: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
CRESCENT PARK
REVEAL, MITIGATE & MANAGE STRESSORS
CITY PARKS
MITIGATE STRESSORS
Crescent Park, a 1.4-mile linear park in New Orleans, transforms a former maritime/industrial brownfield into a 20-acre green space with native landscaping, walking, jogging, and biking paths, picnic areas, a dog park, and the adaptive reuse of two industrial wharves along the Mississippi River.
Emerging from the Reinventing the Crescent Development plan after Hurricane Katrina, Crescent Park was developed through collaborations with design firms EskewDumezRipple and Hargreaves Associates, reconnecting the city with its historic riverfront.
The park’s resulting soil remediation and sustainable landscaping make it an important environmental asset. It mitigates the urban heat island effect with shaded areas and vegetated spaces that help reduce heat stress and improve air quality. Positioned partly on higher ground within the levee system and by incorporating permeable surfaces and rainwater harvesting, Crescent Park also lowers flood risks
and enhances water quality. Despite its industrial past and current usage that causes noise and light pollution, the park’s natural features and levee buffer work to reduce sensory pollution.
Community engagement was core to Crescent Park’s development. The design team worked with a steering committee stakeholders group and held over a dozen forums, integrating neighborhood feedback. The final design received positive community feedback, and the development process was publicly documented.
Beyond its environmental benefits, Crescent Park is a vibrant public space that offers recreational opportunities and serves as a hub for community events and artistic expression. It has also become a refuge for displaced residents seeking solace from environmental stressors. This unintended sanctuary park highlights broader issues, such as housing insecurity and economic disparities, while cultivating local engagement.
THIS IS AN URBAN PARK IN NEW ORLEANS, LA, THAT ADDRESSES MULTIPLE EXISTING CHALLENGES
Crescent Park in New Orleans, a 1.4-mile linear park along the Mississippi River, addresses social environmental, and public health challenges. It features sustainable design principles to manage water, reduce pollution, and mitigate heat, while sustaining social cohesion and supporting economic growth.
SYSTEMS IN PLACE
The larger Reinventing the Crescent Development plan integrates sustainable landscape practices and modern urban planning within the levee system. This approach reconnects the city with existing infrastructure while preserving the levee flood wall.
TEMPERATURE
Crescent Park addresses urban heat island hot spots and resulting heat and respiratory health impacts. Through the addition of shaded areas, vegetated spaces, the park aims to lower temperatures and mitigates risk in the surrounding areas.
ECOSYSTEM POLLUTION
Lead paint in nearby areas poses local risks as it can leach into soil and water from deteriorating surfaces. Although the park didn’t directly remediate the site, its new landscaping with fresh soil and plantings enables safer community use.
SENSORY POLLUTION
The former industrial site still faces issues with persistent freight train noise. The park’s natural landscapes, quiet areas, and existing levee buffer create a more peaceful environment, reducing the negative impacts of urban sensory stressors.
Crescent Park, New Orleans, LA, 2014. EskewDumezRipple,
CRESCENT PARK
Adaptive reuse and new construction can merge to reimagine existing spaces, bridge gaps, and advance social justice.
ITALY PAVILION MILAN EXPO
REDUCE RISK WITH SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
INTEGRATED CLIMATE MITIGATION
Palazzo Italia by Nemesi addresses Milan’s air quality issues caused by its location in the Po Valley, where its surrounding mountains trap pollutants in a basin-like effect. The building uses photocatalytic cement to clean the air and features insulating materials and reflective surfaces to help reduce energy use and control temperature changes.
A notable feature is the use of over 2,000 tons of i.active Biodynamic cement. This material combats air pollution by using sunlight to drive chemical reactions that convert harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) into inert salts.
With this approach, the building aims to reduce local emissions by up to 75%, enhancing air quality for its occupants in a city where pollution often exceeds European limits due to industrial activities.
The building’s envelope is designed to improve energy efficiency and mitigate the prominent urban heat island effect. Solar panels on the roof further cut reliance on external energy sources, achieving a 40% reduction in energy use and approaching near-zero energy consumption.
Palazzo Italia also features green infrastructure such as permeable pavements, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems. These elements act as natural filters, reducing stormwater runoff and pollution while supporting local biodiversity.
The project leveraged its financial capacity to use new technologies, serving as a proof of concept for mitigating environmental stressors, offering an idea that can be scaled and applied more broadly.
THIS IS A HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN MILAN, ITALY, THAT MITIGATES AIR AND WATER POLLUTION
Palazzo Italia addresses local environmental challenges through its use of innovative materials and energy-efficient design. The building’s use of i.active Biodynamic concrete actively reduces emissions, while its integrated systems reduce water runoff and lower energy consumption.
TEMPERATURE
Milan’s climate extremes, with hot summers and freezing winters, drive up the need for indoor temperature control but also have notable consequences for air quality and intensified urban heat island effects within the city.
AIR QUALITY
Milan, like many industrialized cities, contends with air pollution primarily stemming from traffic congestion and industrial emissions, exacerbating respiratory health concerns and environmental degradation.
ECOSYSTEM POLLUTION
In Milan, the landscape is dominated by concrete and asphalt. Preserving green spaces and mitigating pollution runoff are imperative to prevent soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water contamination.
Palazzo Italia, Italy Pavilion Milan Expo, Milan, Italy, 2015. Nemesi & Partners. Adapted from a Photo by Luigi Filetici. 35
E Q U I T Y
QUANTITY OF PEOPLE
EXAMINE TOTAL POPULATION AFFECTED
ASSESSMENT SUBMETRICS
POPULATION SIZE
POPULATION DENSITY
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
POPULATION GROWTH RATE
AGE STRUCTURE
MIGRATION TRENDS
URBANIZATION
HOUSING STOCK
“The census is the spine of democracy; without it, the public lacks the true knowledge of itself.”
- Kenneth Prewitt
Understanding and leveraging data about a specific quantity of people offers a practical lens to understand societal dynamics and support resilient communities. Looking into demographic conditions such as population size, migration patterns, age distributions, and territorial dynamics offers broader insights into the evolving fabric of communities and their adaptive capacities. This comprehensive approach isn’t just about statistical analysis; it forms the cornerstone of informed decision-making, guiding policies and resource allocations to address specific societal needs more effectively.
Moreover, this data plays a pivotal role in uncovering underlying challenges and disparities, especially in the aftermath of crises or natural disasters. Similar to how post-disaster assessments reveal systemic inequalities, demographic analyses provide a complete view of vulnerabilities, enabling betterinformed design and implementation of targeted interventions for equitable disaster preparedness and recovery.
Reframing data as a catalyst for educated action and inclusive planning turns challenges into opportunities for innovation and community improvement. Integrating sustainable and resilient design principles strengthens spaces against environmental pressures while supporting holistic well-being and inclusivity, ensuring built environments evolve in harmony with the diverse needs and dynamics of the populations they serve.
Kenneth Prewitt, political scientist and former director of the U.S. Census Bureau, What’s Wrong with the U.S. Census?, 2008. 37
To understand populations, breakdown what factors shape Quantities of People .
POPULATION SIZE
The total number of individuals residing in a specific geographic area, region, or country at a particular point in time to understand need and resource allocation.
POPULATION DENSITY
The number of people per unit area, such as square kilometers or square miles, to analyze crowding levels, urbanization trends, and environmental impacts.
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
The spatial arrangement of people within a specific geographic area, indicating patterns of urbanization, rural depopulation, and the concentration of populations.
POPULATION GROWTH RATE
The percentage change in population over a specified period, considering births, deaths, immigration, and emigration rates, crucial for predicting future trends.
AGE STRUCTURE
The proportion of different age cohorts within a population, including children, workingage adults, and elderly people, influencing healthcare, workforce, and support systems.
MIGRATION TRENDS
Patterns of movement of people into and out of an area, including immigration, emigration, and internal migration, influencing diversity, labor markets, and cohesion.
URBANIZATION
The extent of infrastructure and building development in an area, indicating its level of urban versus rural characteristics, as well as development patterns and impacts.
HOUSING STOCK
The number and variety of residential properties in an area, including single-family homes and apartments, reflecting availability, condition, diversity, and affordability.
This story is about unraveling connected issues through a local perspective.
INFORMAL LISTENING SESSIONS
While planting trees in the Lower Ninth Ward, a conversation with a neighbor, an African American man living in a neglected area against the Industrial Canal, uncovered deeper societal issues. This neighbor’s concerns about a concealed fire hydrant revealed broader problems, such as neglected stormwater management projects and disparities in city-wide maintenance, particularly in areas historically populated by communities of color. These issues reflect deeper systemic inequities related to race and socioeconomic status, demonstrating uneven access to essential services.
Addressing these disparities requires a government that accurately represents and responds to the needs of its citizens. However, the dialogue underscored a troubling trend: low voter turnout and reduced civic influence. With only 27% participating in the 2023 governor’s election compared to 36% in the primary elections in Orleans Parish,
alongside demographic disparities in voter engagement, it becomes clear that marginalized communities, like those in the Lower Ninth Ward, may lack adequate representation.
This lack of representation can lead to current outcomes like the Industrial Canal expansion project, a 13-year plan involving the widening of locks, replacement of bridges, and implementation of floodwater management strategies with bypass channels. Despite these efforts to address environmental concerns, such as emissions and increased flooding risks, the neighbor’s skepticism stems from a history of unfulfilled promises and fears of displacement. His dubiety reflects a deep-seated distrust in the government’s commitment to genuinely addressing the needs of his community.
This situation underscores the need for transparency and meaningful community engagement, ensuring that communities are well-informed decision-makers. The lived experiences voiced by residents like this neighbor highlight the importance of involving affected communities in the planning process to build trust and ensure that development efforts address local needs. By tackling demographic disparities and facilitating inclusive development, collaborative efforts can achieve more equitable and effective outcomes across diverse populations.
Investigate Communities with Data
ZOOM OUT TO SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE.
What is Redlining? A discriminatory practice where neighborhoods were color-coded to indicate their risk level for mortgage loans and insurance, consistently marking areas with minority residents as “high-risk.” This practice has contributed to the racial segregation and disparities seen today.
1619
Arrival of enslaved Africans in the U.S., start of systemic racism.
1865
Civil War ends, but Jim Crow laws enforce segregation.
1917-1940s
Great Migration highlights regional disparities.
1787
Three-Fifths Compromise at the Constitutional Convention
1896
Plessy v. Ferguson officially legalizes segregation.
1960s-Present
Industrial zoning practices target Black neighborhoods.
1980s-Present
War on Drugs incarcerations target Black communities.
1930-1960s
Redlining legally hinders Black American progress.
ROWHOUSESNEGRO
HIGH CONCENTRATION OF FOREIGNERS
NEGROS SCATTERED FORECLOSURES
NEGROS CROWDING WHITE MEN SLUMS SLUMS AREAISRUNDOWN
WORKERSSKILLED
TOUGHEST SECTIONOFTHECITY
OBSOLESCENCE
UNDESIRABLE
HOMESUNIMPROVED FACTORIES
NEAR EMPLOYMENTINDUSTRIAL AREPEOPLEFRUGAL WORKERSFACTORY
NO THREAT OF INFILTRATION
ORIENTALS OFPRESENCE POPULATIONCOLOREDCONGESTION UNSKILLED LABOR
HOMESSCATTERED WITHOUTPLANNING
VACANT LOTS
NEGROSAGAINSTRESTRICTED
DUMPS
ALLTYPES OFNEGROS
AGEDANDOBSOLETESTRUCTURES
FACTORS OF A FRAGILE POPULATION
Before Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005, the Lower Ninth Ward was a relatively unknown working-class neighborhood. The hurricane, accompanied by major levee breaches, caused destructive flooding, transforming the Lower Ninth Ward into a symbol of converging destructive forces: the storm, geographical vulnerability, government neglect, urban poverty, and racial polarization.
This devastation further illuminated the neighborhood’s long-standing issues, including its shift to a predominantly African American community by the mid-20th century, driven by segregation, economic disparity, and disinvestment. The ward’s isolation from central New Orleans, both literal and figurative, was starkly exposed, drawing national attention to its precarious vulnerabilities.
The resulting displacement exposed the intersectionality of challenges faced by vulnerable communities, where factors like flooding, heat, air quality, race, language, age, and disabilities interweave to heighten susceptibility.
These challenges are further intensified by climate change, economic inequality, and systemic injustices. Effective antidisplacement strategies must involve substantial financial investment, the formation of robust coalitions, and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders in historically impacted areas, ensuring a comprehensive response to these multifaceted issues.
Designers can play a role in minimizing related displacement challenges by understanding the overlap of disasters, vulnerability, and racial injustice. This includes promoting sustainable design practices, raising historical awareness, and advocating for comprehensive rebuild efforts beyond constructing new buildings.
Success also depends on a holistic approach that prioritizes accessible services, public transportation, flood protection, and support for displaced residents seeking to return home. Only through such comprehensive efforts can the multifaceted challenges faced by the community be effectively addressed.
The Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans, LA, 2015. Adapted from a Photo by Ricky Carioti. The Washington Post.
Throughout much of the 20th century, the federal government, through the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), used redlining to grade neighborhoods from A ("Best") to D ("Hazardous"), predominantly rating neighborhoods of color as C or D. This discriminatory practice systematically stifled economic growth, contributing to long-term disinvestment. These
factors, along with shifting population dynamics, provide context for the contrasting development of adjacent neighborhoods, Broadmoor and Gert Town. Michael Robinson, a community organizer involved in public housing projects, and Pamela Waldron-Moore, a Professor of Political Science at Xavier University, shed light on other factors exacerbating these disparities.
Gert Town Population: 6,621
Density: 6,769/sq mi.
Broadmoor Population: 5,212 Density: 11,611/sq mi. Minority: 63%
Site: Location of the Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center case study.
C I TY / Two Neighborhoods
MICHAEL ROBINSON
Lead Organizer
Jericho Road Episcopal Housing
IDENTIFYING
DYNAMICS
INTERNAL COMMUNITY CHALLENGES
Broadmoor, historically a mix of middle to high-income professionals, leveraged community mobilization in their postKatrina recovery, supported by Carnegie and Kellogg Foundations’ funds and guided by a Harvard plan. Michael spoke to a vital campaign’s unifying impact.
“They used [the Green Dot campaign] as an organizing tool to say, ‘Hey, look, they’re trying to tear down our neighborhood.’”
The Green Dot campaign, sparked by opposition to the city’s plan to convert Broadmoor into green space, unified residents. Broadmoor also had an internal tax-funded development organization, allowing for a full-time staff and supporting initiatives like the revitalization of the Keller Library.
In contrast, Gert Town, historically a diverse low-income neighborhood, faced worsening challenges due to conflicts between internal nonprofits and Xavier University’s expansion, leading to significant displacement after Katrina, as Pamela described.
PAMELA WALDRON-MOORE
Professor of Political Science
Xavier University
“There was a perception from Gert Town that they were separate. The castle [Xavier University] is on one side, separated by this moat, and the poor people are on the other side looking for stuff. A lot of that played into who got left behind.”
The lack of resources, property acquisition, and organizational means led to unexpected migration. This struggle, marked by depopulation, was worsened by the presence of a DDT plant and soil radiation.
“When you have industrial plants in communities, nearby workers find it’s easier to get employed there. While Broadmoor was getting money from big agencies, people in Gert Town took what they could from the chemical plant.”
Although adjacent to Broadmoor, Gert Town faced ongoing barriers that hindered its revitalization. This underscores the complexities of urban development and the need to address each neighborhood’s unique population dynamics.
ROSA F. KELLER LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY CENTER
F IND OPPORTUNI T IES FOR LAST ING IMPACT
RESILIENCE THROUGH UNITY
Broadmoor’s Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center in New Orleans is a powerful symbol of resilience and community-driven urban development in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The neighborhood’s journey to recovery and renewal is a testament to the strength and determination of its residents.
After Katrina, Broadmoor faced devastating impacts, with over two feet of water flooding the 1993 slab-on-grade library addition that housed the book stacks. The city’s “green dot” plan proposed converting, predominantly Black, neighborhoods into stormwater management sites, effectively displacing residents and leaving their futures uncertain. However, the community of Broadmoor, led by the Improvement Association, refused to accept this outcome and took a stand.
The community united, securing funding and resources to rebuild. Through a series of workshops, they worked with EskewDumezRipple to envision the Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center as more than just a place for books but as a cultural and educational hub that would anchor their renewed
sense of purpose and belonging. Completed in 2012, the facility reflects the neighborhood’s identity, blending the renovation of a historic 1917 residence with a new structure that embodies the community’s aspirations.
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the LEED-certified library, which features elements that manage stormwater, alleviating pressure on city infrastructure and supporting local ecosystems. The building stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when cultural heritage, sustainability, and community vision come together in the pursuit of collective well-being.
While the library serves as a model for addressing community needs and climate stressors, stakeholder engagement with Gert Town residents revealed that they don’t fully see it as their resource. While Broadmoor’s revitalization has been successful, neighborhoods like Gert Town still struggle with resource scarcity and underrepresentation. The Keller Library underscores the need for inclusive urban development, ensuring all neighborhoods have a voice in shaping the city’s future.
THIS IS A LIBRARY IN NEW ORLEANS, LA, THAT REFLECTS ON POPULATION STRUCTURE AND POWER
The Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center in Broadmoor, New Orleans, embodies a communityoriented resilience project amidst demographic shifts and population challenges. The library symbolizes community unity, proactive local efforts, and challenges in revitalizing neighborhoods.
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
Broadmoor had significant demographic shifts between tracts, which emphasized the need for a central hub. This facility could have served a broader population by engaging with surrounding neighborhoods lacking sufficient density for resources, like Gert Town.
POPULATION GROWTH RATE
Both Broadmoor and Gert Town have seen a decline in population rates. Residents underscored the need to reinvest in valuable community resources to draw residents back to the area, with a particular focus on supporting Broadmoor residents.
MIGRATION TRENDS
Broadmoor’s flood risk highlighted migration patterns linked to natural disasters, community resources, and safety. This stressed the necessity of deliberate actions, including creating resource hubs and fostering trust and resilience through rebuild.
Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center, New Orleans, LA, 2012. EskewDumezRipple. Original Concept Sketch.
ROSA F. KELLER LIBRARY
AND COMMUNITY CENTER
Community-driven revitalization leverages deep local insights to transform challenges into opportunities, allowing design to honor both legacy and evolving needs.
ST. PETER RESIDENTIAL, NEW ORLEANS
CREATE MODELS FOR SCALABLE INI T I AT I VES
RESILIENCE BUILDS
RELIABILITY
St. Peter Residential, designed by EskewDumezRipple, stands as Louisiana’s first net-zero multifamily building. This 50-unit mixed-income residence in New Orleans offers affordable housing for veterans. Through passive design strategies and technologies, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart lighting, and energy-efficient appliances, the building minimizes energy use.
The project strategically addresses concentrated housing needs among low-income families and veterans in urban settings. By offering affordable housing options that serve a wide boundary of people in need, St. Peter Residential contributes to equitable access to stable housing solutions across multiple neighborhoods.
St. Peter Residential features 450 solar panels and a battery array, developed with SBP and supported by a $1 million donation from Entergy. This renewable infrastructure ensured uninterrupted power during Hurricane Zeta in 2020 and Hurricane Ida in
2021, when the residence remained operational while the city experienced prolonged outages, providing a vital resource for surrounding communities.
This project has been cited as a proof-of-concept by initiatives like Together New Orleans (TNO)’s Community Lighthouses proposal that established microgrid hubs at religious institutions, enhancing the project’s credibility and setting a precedent for future developments that could ensure predictability and resilience.
Beyond its sustainability model, the project also serves a social purpose by providing housing for veterans, including single mothers who have returned from deployments in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. The residence offers amenities such as a wellness center, as well as communal and recreational spaces. These services reflect the project’s understanding of how diverse population needs can shape and inform building scale strategies.
Roof: 450 solar panels and battery arrays powering continuous operation.
THIS IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NEW ORLEANS, LA, THAT PRIORITIZES KEY POPULATIONS
St. Peter Residential is a 50-unit mixed-income residence in New Orleans, prioritizing veterans. Leading in sustainable design and social impact, it creates a creditable model for affordable housing with its net-zero energy consumption, resilient infrastructure, and targeted amenities.
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
In certain areas of New Orleans, low-income families and veteran populations face concentrated housing needs. This project strategically provides affordable housing to multiple neighborhoods to ensure equitable access to stable housing options.
POPULATION DENSITY
With New Orleans’ urban setting in mind, this project prioritizes sustainability to mitigate environmental impacts in densely populated areas. By integrating renewable energy and minimizing energy demand, it contributes to healthier environments.
AGE STRUCTURE
Recognizing New Orleans’ diverse demographics, this project prioritizes veterans returning from deployments, addressing overlooked community groupings. By offering targeted amenities, it improves residents’ quality of life across various life stages.
St. Peter Residential, New Orleans, LA, 2020. EskewDumezRipple. Adapted from a Photo.
E Q U I T Y
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
IDENTIFY COMMUNITY SERVICE GAPS
ASSESSMENT SUBMETRICS
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
HEALTHY FOOD
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
PUBLIC SPACES
CULTURAL RESOURCES
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
QUALITY EDUCATION
LOCAL BUSINESSES
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Unmet community needs are essential services or resources that are inadequately provided or entirely lacking within specific geographic areas or among particular demographic groups. These needs range from access to quality healthcare, affordable housing options, equitable educational opportunities, viable employment prospects, and essential social services to necessary infrastructure improvements. Recognizing and comprehensively understanding these unmet needs is essential for developing targeted interventions, policies, and programs aimed at improving overall community well-being and addressing systemic disparities that hinder progress and growth.
Understanding these multifaceted challenges requires a collaborative effort involving community stakeholders, policymakers, nonprofits, and businesses. By engaging in participatory research, data collection, and dialogue with affected communities, insights into the root causes and intricacies of identified unmet needs are revealed. This informed approach enables the development of strategic interventions that are not only responsive but also sustainable and tailored to the unique contexts of each individual community.
Moreover, addressing unmet community needs goes beyond short-term fixes; it requires long-term planning, investment, and commitment to holistic, equitable development. Prioritizing these needs in policy agendas, allocating resources wisely, and fostering collaborative partnerships across sectors help build robust systems for a more just and thriving society.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States, Second Inaugural Address, 1937. 55
To create opportunities, identify an area’s
Unmet Community Needs
.
NEEDS ARE UNMET IF
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Facilities like hospitals and basic services such as pharmacies and clinics are located more than a mile away in urban areas or beyond a ten-mile radius in rural areas.
HEALTHY FOOD
Supermarkets or large grocery stores offering affordable and healthy food options are located more than a mile away in urban areas or beyond a ten-mile radius in rural areas.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Urbanization, poverty, transit cost burden, availability of transit services, travel times to essential services, digital access, and safety factors have a high cumulative impact.
PUBLIC SPACES
Accessible small spaces are located more than a 5-minute walk, larger spaces are more than a 10-minute walk. There’s a lack of city spaces for organized recreation and events.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Permanent institutions, facilities, or events that contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, traditions, arts, history, and diversity are located more than two miles away.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Households in a census tract are making less than 80% of the area median family income (AMFI) by region and spending more than 30% of that income on housing.
QUALITY EDUCATION
Educational facilities offering comprehensive and quality education are located more than two miles away in urban areas or beyond a fifteen-mile radius in rural areas.
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Businesses such as gas stations, laundromats, retail stores, banks, and post offices are located more than a mile away in urban areas or beyond a ten-mile radius in rural areas.
This is a story about urban agriculture’s role in combating food deserts and historical inequities.
CULTIVATING FOOD EQUITY
In Central City, Dimitri Celis, Program Manager at Recirculating Farms, is a steward for sustainable agriculture.
The seemingly lively urban landscape harbors a longstanding void, a void created by the absence of accessible grocery stores, replaced by corner stores offering processed and unhealthy food. However, their team challenges the label of Central City as a “food desert,” unraveling the intentional disinvestment and historical policies that have shaped the community.
“There’s a growing narrative within the food justice scene that desert implies a naturally occurring thing, but it’s not just by chance that there’s no grocery store in Central City. This happened because of policies that the government-sanctioned back in the 40s from the FHA and the redlining maps and the VA and all the racist loaning practices.”
DIMITRI CELIS
Program Director Recirculating Farms
“We’re trying to let people know that this is why we grow here. It’s not just because it’s a food desert, but because it’s intentionally not being invested in.”
Past initiatives aimed at addressing food deserts have thought about using existing corner stores rather than building new grocery stores. However, challenges arise because many stores struggle to stock items like produce due to high turnover rates and the risk of lost profits. Food deserts are not just about access to food but also about access to affordable food.
“One thing that we’ve talked about is, what does it mean to have access to affordable food? Affordable food is not just subsidizing the cost down so people can afford it. Affordable food also means paying people a living wage so they can buy the food that we’re producing too.”
REDEFINING LAND ACCESS
This connects to the issue of food apartheids, a systemic segregation that limits access to nutritious food for many communities. In New Orleans, where thousands of vacant lots could expand urban equity, questions around land use, ownership, and historical disinvestment persist.
Recirculating Farms has faced barriers, including relocation after eviction. They sought long-term land tenure through the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Growing Green program, which offers an option to purchase a lot after a three-year lease. While the program supports community projects, market pricing is a hurdle, with
their NORA lot appraised at nearly half of the nonprofit’s operating budget.
Negotiations for a lower price based on their nonprofit status and the land’s use as a community garden have been unsuccessful, mirrored in their interest in purchasing a private lot between their currently leased lots.
“We should be flipping the script on what it means to own property.”
Dimitri argues that community projects should be treated differently from standard developments, emphasizing the need to quantify ecological services and adopt more equitable practices that aren’t driven by market pricing.
Maybe development, development, development is not the route that we should take, especially if the development is not sustainable development.”
Community Garden and Urban Farm in Central City, New Orleans, LA. Recirculating Farms.
HISTORY’S INTENTIONAL DESERTS
Deserts are naturally occurring, but the disparities present today are not. Intentional deserts, areas lacking access to essential resources like food, financial services, and healthcare, are deeply rooted in historical government policies that have entrenched systemic disadvantages.
For instance, the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1930s, along with the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), implemented discriminatory practices that enforced racial segregation and redlining, systematically denying loans and services to minority communities, particularly in Black neighborhoods. This disinvestment led to concentrated poverty, dilapidated infrastructure, and a lack of investment in community resources, creating lasting social and economic disparities that persist today.
Similarly, after World War II, the Veterans Administration (VA) continued discriminatory loan practices by denying housing benefits to minority veterans under the GI Bill. These policies severely limited opportunities for upward mobility and wealth accumulation, further entrenching the conditions that define modern-
day deserts, characterized by scarce economic resources and opportunities.
The historical injustices that persist today reflect a systemic landscape marked by widespread food insecurity, poor health outcomes, and limited access to employment, quality education, and green spaces. To effectively disrupt cycles of poverty and inequality, communities can prioritize investments in youth. By providing educational resources, mentorship, and safe recreational spaces, communities can help prevent violence and reduce incarceration rates, issues often worsened by systemic mistreatment and a lack of local opportunities.
An intersectional approach reveals how these disparities uniquely impact vulnerable populations based on factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Recognizing deserts as the result of systemic choices highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, tailored solutions. Reframing intersectional disadvantages as shared challenges that connect diverse groups fosters collective strengths and promotes equity and inclusivity, ultimately benefiting all members of society.
This map shows that intentional resource deserts are often linked.
Quality Education
NEW ORLEANS’ SCHOOL AVERAGE GRADE
Louisiana Department of Education 2023 annual A-F letter grades: 69.9/150 - C average.
Treme Neighborhood
Site
GRADE
Site: Treme Neighborhood, New Orleans Location of the Edible Schoolyard case study.
IDENTIFY & ADDRESS INTERCONNECTED NEEDS
When investigating unmet community needs, the process begins with identifying critical service gaps. In Central City, education is a significant concern due to a limited number of schools and inconsistent quality. Disinvested areas often face multiple overlapping issues. Those areas may struggle with educational quality, lack
accessible green spaces essential for physical and mental health, and experience food deserts due to the absence of stores offering affordable, healthy food for comprehensive shopping. Addressing these interconnected issues holistically allows for a better understanding and approach to broader challenges.
ASSESS HOW THESE FACTORS RESULT IN COMMUNITY GAPS
After identifying interconnected needs, addressing them requires determining and assessing relevant impact opportunities. This involves evaluating how each identified issue further affects various aspects of community well-being, such as health, economic stability, and social cohesion, to prioritize interventions.
QUALITY EDUCATION
In New Orleans, families rank schools through a charter system and are placed based on availability, which can result in long commutes. With 26% of students attending “D” rated schools, there’s a need for educational reforms and supplemental opportunities.
HEALTHY FOOD
Neighborhoods in New Orleans face food desert challenges, due to limited access to affordable, nutritious options. Integrating food education into curriculums can help address this issue and promote food security among low-income students.
PUBLIC SPACES
Central City in New Orleans grapples with extensive impermeable surface coverage, surpassing 71%, resulting in a scarcity of green spaces. Inclusive outdoor learning and recreation spaces within walking distance are needed for safe youth development.
This story is about promoting inclusive education to create equitable opportunities.
CREATE LEARNING LANDSCAPES
“It’s all about offering opportunities and access. Every student, regardless of barriers, should have access to holistic and high-quality education.”
Charlotte Steele, Director of Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, is dedicated to building food connections through outdoor learning environments in FirstLine Schools. The program serves a diverse demographic, mainly comprised of Black and Spanishspeaking students, many of whom face poverty and barriers to food security. The program views its gardens as community resources, sharing yields to address the unmet community needs.
New Orleans students tend to have strong food identities from growing up cooking with their families, and hearing about local culinary legends. Edible Schoolyard’s programming offers diverse access and shapes student paths and identities.
CHARLOTTE STEELE
Director
Edible Schoolyard New Orleans A Signature Program of FirstLine Schools
“Not only are we providing the seeds of experiences that help students build their identities and relationships with food in the natural world, we’re also supporting their academic achievement. There are many ways we integrate academics into our classes, but life skills and social-emotional learning are at the forefront of what we do.”
Edible Schoolyard worked with EskewDumezRipple to transform Phillis Wheatley Community School’s teaching garden space. The project, constructed by unCommon Construction, aligns with the organization’s values of “beauty is the language of caring.”
“The coolest part of having built a physical structure is that its legacy is indefinite. There are just so many students who will thrive from having that space to make academic connections, learn through a social-emotional lens, and build their gardening and cooking skills.”
QUALITY EDUCATION
YES TO ENGAGEMENT
Engagement with teachers was essential in guiding the design of the outdoor classrooms. As key figures who have a close relationship with the space, their input brought intentionality to the project, emphasizing multifunctional spaces for activities, planning areas for plant cultivation, and focusing on community food production.
Seeking to educate the whole child in mind, body, and spirit, Edible Schoolyard’s classrooms foster holistic learning experiences that integrate academic achievement and social-emotional learning, promoting comprehensive education for all students.
HEALTHY FOOD
By integrating food education and healthy eating habits into their curriculum, Edible Schoolyard’s classroom addresses the lack of accessible healthy food options within urban areas and promotes food security among low-income students.
PUBLIC SPACES
Through their inclusive outdoor learning environments and community programs, Edible Schoolyard creates visually open spaces catering to the need of youth to have areas for organized programs and access to safe green spaces within walking distance.
“There are a lot of visitors that walk up and down our street, and they stop in their tracks. They understand that the students who go to our school are extremely important, valuable, and smart, and they see them learning in a comfortable, curiosity-inspiring space.”
- CHARLOTTE STEELE
Edible Schoolyard Garden at Samuel J. Green Charter School, New Orleans, LA, 2006. Adapted from a Photo.
Connect Study Findings to Impact
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Integrating food gardens and green spaces into community planning and design helps address health concerns while aligning with larger societal goals, including economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This approach recognizes the multifaceted benefits of such initiatives and their potential to dismantle systemic barriers while promoting community resilience.
between community gardens and health, demonstrates that increased access to healthy food, through community gardens, is associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake, positive psychosocial outcomes, and improved community engagement.
“Community Gardens and Their Effects on Diet, Health, Psychosocial, and Community Outcomes,” BMC Public Health, 2022.
Urban communities, particularly those in food deserts, face significant challenges with food insecurity. Whether initiated by community groups or part of larger urban farming projects, food gardens help mitigate this issue. Research, including a study on the connection
Edible
Furthermore, food gardens in educational settings can offer more cognitive benefits. Exposure to green environments has been linked to improved focus, motivation, and engagement among students. Hands-on experiences reinforce classroom learning while providing valuable lessons about plant life cycles, environmental science, and sustainable practices. Active involvement in gardening and healthy eating contributes to a more engaging and effective educational experience.
Local community gardens do more than grow food; they foster social interaction, community building, and cultural exchange. Increased vegetable intake is linked to both better access and the connections formed among users, enhancing social cohesion and neighborhood ties.
Schoolyard Garden at Phillis Wheatley Community School, New Orleans, LA.
MENTAL
HEALTH & EQUITY
“Associations Between Nature Exposure and Health,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021.
From an environmental perspective, urban farming and green spaces contribute to environmental stewardship throughout a community. Practices such as composting, water conservation, and organic gardening techniques are commonly integrated, promoting eco-friendly behaviors and reducing environmental impact. Green spaces also provide essential ecosystem services, including air quality improvement, temperature regulation, and natural disaster mitigation, directly impacting community health and well-being.
Nature in urban environments has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Spending time in nature enhances cognitive functioning, attention, and overall well-being. These spaces offer opportunities for relaxation, physical activity, and connection to nature, contributing to improved mental health outcomes across age groups.
IN LOUISIANA,
1/7 PEOPLE
STRUGGLE TO PROVIDE HEALTHY MEALS FOR THEMSELVES
Despite the evident benefits, equity challenges related to access exist. Low-income and minority communities often face limited access to quality green spaces and healthy food options, contributing to health disparities. Recognizing and addressing this requires intentional planning, resource allocation, and community engagement to ensure equitable access to these resources.
Through implementation and advocacy, designers can help advance the success and sustainability of food gardens and green spaces in urban environments. Participatory design processes, community engagement, and collaboration with local stakeholders are integral to creating inclusive environments. Incorporating design elements like accessible pathways, multi-purpose spaces, educational and wayfinding signage, and cultural relevance enhances the impact of these community spaces.
EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD
STUDENTS REPORT EATING LEAFY GREENS
OVER 200K 4X
CHILDREN LIVE WITH FOOD INSECURITY
MORE OFTEN THAN STUDENTS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Feeding Louisiana, Current Hunger Facts and Statistics for Louisiana, 2024.
CASA ADALANTE 2060 FOLSOM
DESIGN EXCELLENCE IS HOLISTIC PROGRAMMING
HOLISTIC HOUSING SOLUTIONS
Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom, in San Francisco’s Mission District, tackles community challenges through a joint venture between Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC) and Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA). Designed by Mithun in collaboration with Y.A. Studio, the project focuses on housing Latinx families, providing space for organizations serving Latinx youth, and featuring community art.
The project was funded by a culmination of Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, tax-exempt bonds, and investments from the Mayor’s Office, Bank of America, and the Federal Home Loan Bank. With 127 permanently affordable units, the project takes on housing insecurity in a district where nearly half of households struggle with high housing costs.
The success of Casa Adelante is due to strong partnerships. The Felton Institute offers affordable childcare, the Good Samaritan Family Resource Center
provides family support services, and PODER works on environmental justice and immigrant rights. Larkin Street Youth Services supports homeless and at-risk youth, while HOMEY empowers youth through mentorship. First Exposures and Youth Speaks share a space for youth storytelling, combining photography and arts education.
Casa Adelante prioritizes education, offering on-site childcare, afterschool programs, and counseling. HOMEY, First Exposures, and Youth Speaks also play core roles in these efforts. The project integrates urban gardens and community-supported agriculture to address food insecurity. On-site healthcare services and counseling address residents’ physical and mental health needs.
Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom represents a shift in affordable housing development. It integrates services to manage various unmet community needs and exemplifies the impact of affordable housing led by and for people of color.
Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom is an affordable housing development in San Francisco’s Mission District. To support education, culture, healthcare, and food security, the project offers on-site childcare, public art, urban gardens, and healthcare services, marking a collaborative and holistic approach.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
San Francisco’s Mission District grapples with acute housing insecurity, with nearly half of households facing high housing costs. This project offers 127 permanently affordable units, providing long-term stability and addressing systemic barriers.
HEALTHY FOOD
Food insecurity is prevalent in neighborhoods like the Mission District. This project combats this issue with urban gardens and community-supported agriculture initiatives, ensuring residents have access to nutritious food and social connections. THIS IS AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA THAT, OFFERS HOLISTIC SUPPORT
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
In underserved communities like the Mission District, access to healthcare is often limited. This project addresses this gap by providing on-site healthcare services, including counseling, to address residents’ physical and mental health needs.
QUALITY EDUCATION
Many residents in underserved communities face barriers to quality education and opportunity. This project prioritizes education as a pathway to empowerment by providing on-site childcare facilities, after-school programs, and counseling services.
Casa Adelante at 2060 Folsom, San Francisco, CA, 2021. Mithun and Y.A. Studio. Adapted from a Photo.
CASA ADELANTE
2060 FOLSOM
There may not be a singular “best” equity solution, but unmet needs can be addressed by harnessing the synergies of collaboration.
This is a story about losing the sense of community amidst local changes and challenges.
OBSERVED COMMUNITY CHANGES
Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux, a proud New Orleans native and custodian of family-owned properties, intimately understands Treme’s transformation over the years. Once hailed as the Mecca of music, Treme holds cherished memories for Alison, especially the vibrant sounds of second lines and the close-knit community spirit that defined her children’s early years. Like many neighborhoods, Treme has experienced pivotal moments that signify a changing landscape, often resulting in population shifts in urban areas.
ALISON TOUSSAINT-LEBEAUX
Community Stakeholder
Property Owner
“We were trying to teach our kids how to ride a bike. They couldn’t ride on that street, so we used to go to Armstrong Park. Then they started locking the gates to the park from the one entrance we had. After a while, it felt unwelcoming. The things that we had at our disposal, the natural things that seemed free to all of us, started becoming less and less available.”
Finding safe spaces in disinvested neighborhoods like Treme is difficult, underscores how deficiencies in one area can trigger cascading effects. Fragmentation and loss of culture are deeply tied to historical lending practices that have fueled a lack of affordable housing and disinvestment in neighborhood assets.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING & OWNERSHIP
“Typically, people of color don’t have the credit or the money to buy a house. Normally, we have to rent. I think people are being pushed out because the rents are unavailable; they’re inaccessible. It’s almost impossible to live in that area.”
In New Orleans, short-term rentals add economic pressure. They comprise approximately 3.5% of all occupied housing units in the city, one of the highest rates for similarly sized cities. The shift away from long-term residents has disrupted Treme’s identity, further compounding existing challenges.
“Like so many other areas of this city, it’s forgotten. I would love to see green space there. Just an open space where people can be. Where you can kick around a ball, and it doesn’t roll in the street, and you get hit by a car trying to get it.”
Recognizing firsthand the livability impact of gentrification and racially driven property ownership challenges, Alison is dedicated to preserving Treme’s affordability through her properties to share its history.
“I’ve always made my rental properties affordable because I want people to experience that area. Treme has almost the entire history of New Orleans packed into it.”
These challenges highlight systemic discriminatory practices that have persisted for decades. These practices hinder Black homeowners from improving their homes and increasing their value, especially those with limited reserves. Yet property owners hold power in passing on property responsibly, contributing to equity. Knowing this, Alison remains committed to renewing Treme’s rich history for future generations.
PRIVATE PUBLIC SPACES
Public spaces have always been the heartbeat of cities, adding character and fostering community connections. Traditionally managed by local governments, spaces like parks and plazas are now joined by Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS).
Professor Jerold S. Kayden coined the term POPS, which refers to public areas that, although privately owned, are legally required to be open to the public under city zoning ordinances and land-use laws or to receive specific incentives. These spaces aim to enrich urban life, enhance street-level connections, and serve as valuable assets for property owners.
POPS can provide urban oases, fostering social interaction and community ties. Activities like music performances and recreational sports can thrive in these underutilized areas, turning them into dynamic hubs. Integrating POPS with commercial spaces also makes adjacent areas attractive to high-end tenants.
However, POPS face challenges due to their private ownership. Security measures can restrict access and deter visitors. Balancing security and openness is crucial. Innovative design and unobtrusive surveillance can help maintain accessibility, ensuring these spaces remain vibrant and inclusive.
It’s a Private Space...
CREATE GENEROUS SPACE
Beyond formalized Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS), ample opportunities exist to create public spaces without relying on incentives. Opening entire city blocks for public circulation or stepping back from the property line to establish shared spaces can significantly enhance urban vibrancy. Understanding the boundaries between public and private spaces and where the official lines end can unlock creative possibilities.
For example, courtyards or circulation areas designed without explicit barriers between private and public realms foster organic interaction. These informal spaces, free from restrictions, create a more inclusive atmosphere that bridges the needs of both the public and private sectors.
This interplay between public and private spaces extends beyond parks to schools, hospitals, and shopping
centers, often straddling the line between privately owned and publicly accessible spaces. Public spaces for artistic expression further illustrate this dynamic, connecting with diverse audiences while simultaneously encouraging meaningful dialogue.
However, balancing accessibility and security is crucial to the success of POPS and informal public spaces. Prioritizing openness while rethinking traditional security measures ensures these areas foster community engagement and serve as catalysts for vibrant city life.
By integrating elements like accessible seating, well-lit paths, and clear sightlines, these spaces become welcoming for all. Achieving this equilibrium is vital for sustainable urban development, creating equitable communities that meet diverse needs and promote social interaction.
UNMET
SPATIAL MAPPING
This map shows that spatially unmet needs may appear met.
Housing Burden
Percentiles show how a census tract compares nationally in housing burden, defined by households earning less than 80% of HUD’s Area Median Family Income (AMFI) and spending over 30% of their income on housing costs.
Housing Burden
CLAIBORNE AVENUEI-10 EXPRESSWAY
Site
LOUISARMSTRONGPARK
Housing Burden
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
Housing Burden
LAFITTEGREENWAY
Site: Treme Neighborhood, New Orleans Location of a proposed bus shelter based on the Living Canopies case study.
CONSIDER FACTORS ADDING TO AREA LIVABILITY
Improving area livability involves assessing interconnected services. In areas lacking essential services, interventions aiming to enhance wellbeing require careful consideration to inform future outcomes. Urban renewal projects in Treme have introduced park spaces, but not all meet community needs or are accessible.
Increased transportation infrastructure has inadvertently hindered public transit effectiveness, compounded by road pollution, posing risks to residents. Moreover, demographic shifts resulting from renewal efforts have disrupted community cohesion and led to gentrification and affordability issues.
ASSESS HOW THESE FACTORS AFFECT THE EXISTING
Identify significant impact factors to evaluate the effects of existing services and interventions on a whole area’s livability. This type of assessment provides insights into the broader implications of current initiatives and can guide the development of future strategies to address community needs effectively.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In Treme, a historic African American community, cultural disinvestment, and gentrification have led to an affordability crisis, with households spending over 30% of incomes on housing costs, worsening demographic shifts and threatening its legacy.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
In New Orleans, access to the current distribution of resources relies on efficient public transportation. However, safety concerns persist in Treme due to traffic emissions, much of which are from the elevated highway cutting through the neighborhood.
PUBLIC SPACES
Treme’s Louis Armstrong Park, built in the 1960s after housing and cultural venues were demolished, is often closed, and caters more to tourists than residents. The Lafitte Greenway connects neighborhoods but raises safety concerns at automobile crossings.
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
CASE STUDY LIVING CANOPIES BUS SHELTER
IMPROVE SERV I CES W I TH ECO- INFRASTRUCTURE
INTEGRATED
CLIMATE MITIGATION
Hyattsville, Maryland, is taking a significant step in advancing transit infrastructure with the introduction of living bus shelters. In collaboration with Cool Green Shelters, an initiative by the local company Living Canopies, the city is installing innovative stations featuring solar panels and living vegetation. These shelters address long-standing challenges in historically underserved neighborhoods, home to communities of color, where sidewalks are scarce, and bus stops are often mere signs along high-speed roads with traffic moving at 40-50 mph.
Beyond providing safe and functional transit shelters, these installations aim to inspire further investment in critical transit infrastructure, such as sidewalks. By meeting community needs and addressing vulnerabilities, these hubs create more sustainable and secure transit solutions.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Dutch cities like Utrecht and Wageningen are also piloting green roofs for bus shelters. Utrecht’s incorporation of green roofs on over 300 bus
shelters promotes biodiversity and improves air quality.
In Wageningen, integrated green roofs with solar panels and LED screens, creating fully self-sufficient bus stations. These initiatives exemplify the potential of green infrastructure in urban environments to foster resilience and sustainability while enhancing public transit amenities.
The potential integration of datamonitoring capabilities into shelters like these represents a forward-thinking approach to community health. In cities like New Orleans, where challenges with public transit and environmental impacts persist, green shelters could serve as more than just a refuge.
By utilizing technology to monitor real-time health risks like temperature, air quality, and noise levels, shelters could empower residents with actionable insights. This approach enhances awareness and fosters health equity, contributing to inclusive and sustainable infrastructure.
THIS IS THE CONCEPT OF BUS SHELTERS WITH LIVING VEGETATION TO COMBAT URBAN POLLUTANTS
Innovative living shelters are transforming transit infrastructure with solar panels, greenery, and ambitions for the incorporation of health data monitoring, symbolizing a commitment to safe public transit that promotes biodiversity and sustainability while enhancing public transit amenities.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Improved transit infrastructure can address the challenges of urbanization, cost burden, and service availability. Eco-transit hubs can provide safer travel, and the potential integration of data monitoring could contribute to promoting community well-being.
PUBLIC SPACES
In urban areas lacking nearby recreational spaces, these eco-transit hubs offer safe gathering spots and support healthy transit practices. Vegetated transit stops act as a continuation of green spaces, fulfilling the need for healthy public areas.
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Many New Orleans neighborhoods face elevated health risks from heat and urban pollution. In areas like Treme, where residents wait near congested roads with up to 10 lanes of traffic, green canopies and vegetation can help mitigate these dangers.
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
CASE STUDY
NEW ORLEANS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROGRAMS
SUPPORT CITIZEN-LED URBAN DEVELOPMENT
VACANCY TURNED TO GROWTH
The
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) was established by the State of Louisiana in 1968 as the Community Improvement Agency (CIA) to revitalize neglected areas in the city. Its role expanded after Hurricane Katrina with the Road Home Program, offering residents options to sell their lots to the city or receive repair funds.
This resulted in the intake of around 7,000 lots, with about 5,000 lots transferred by 2012. Using auctions and targeted initiatives, NORA prioritizes lot disposal over becoming a perpetual land bank. Beyond lot allocation, NORA actively promotes community resilience.
They collaborated with the City of New Orleans on the National Disaster Resilience Competition grant, which focused on stormwater management in Gentilly. Additionally, they operate programs like the Lot Next Door (LND), which allows property owners to acquire adjacent lots, and the Growing Green program, which leases land for community gardens and parks to encourage sustainable practices. The NORA Green program invests in properties for community
impact, developing parks, urban forests, and stormwater lots.
However, challenges persist, particularly in maintaining NORAmanaged projects in disadvantaged areas of the city, ensuring their effectiveness, and extending their impact beyond individual parcels. Difficulties also arise in transferring land in areas where demand is low, even at subsidized rates.
There is an opportunity to leverage NORA’s programs to allow residents to effectively shape their neighborhoods. This approach could demonstrate a commitment to citizen-led efforts that reflect the most critical unmet community needs in a given neighborhood.
Lot Next Door (LND) Program Eligibility Diagram, New Orleans, LA. NORA.
HEALTHY FOOD
NORA’s programs, such as the Growing Green initiative and programs leasing land for community gardens and parks, directly promote access to healthy food options. By providing spaces for specific programming, NORA addresses food accessibility.
PUBLIC SPACE
NORA’s development of parks, landscaping, and urban forests through its Green program contributes directly to creating and enhancing public spaces. These initiatives aim to address the lack of accessible spaces for recreation and events.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
NORA’s strategic disposals can indirectly impact affordable housing, especially in areas lacking investment. NORA addresses housing by facilitating programs like the Lot Next Door (LND) and awarding properties to affordable housing nonprofits.
THE BEACON AT SOUTH MARKET
FIND PUBLIC SOLUTIONS IN PRIVATE PROGRAMMING
INTEGRATED COMMUNITY BENEFITS
The South Market District emerges as a pivotal mixed-use development in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District (CBD), marking a significant milestone in the city’s urban evolution. This project addresses the CBD’s unmet need for green and public spaces, revitalizing the area by replacing surface parking lots with retail, dining, and various urban activities.
The Beacon, by EskewDumezRipple, combines contemporary living with community connection. Inspired by the French Quarter’s historic courtyards, it features an elevated green space that opens onto Girod Street, offering a retreat amid the city. In a city dominated by private spaces, the subtle entrance often goes unnoticed, prompting reevaluating how public spaces are recognized. It invites reflection on how design can shift mindsets to see public opportunities in places perceived as private.
Moreover, The Beacon offers access to The Park, featuring retail and five floors dedicated to car and bike parking, including electric car charging stations and bike-sharing programs. The Park represents a convergence of convenience and sustainability. This integration of residential and public spaces enhances the quality of life for residents and presents a sense of community and connectivity within the South Market District.
Northside Electric, Spackman Mossop Michaels, Pontchartrain Mechanical, and Woodward Design+Build collaborated to bring this project to life.
The Beacon at South Market District creates private-public opportunities that aim to transform urban landscapes toward greater accessibility while acknowledging constraints like stairs that limit full access for some users. This approach to community space balances the need for urban respite with the efficient use of limited space.
THIS IS A MIXED-USE PROJECT REVITALIZING NEW ORLEANS, LA, WITH GREEN SPACE AND RETAIL
The South Market District in New Orleans’ Central Business District revitalizes the area by replacing parking lots with activity. The Beacon, a central feature, integrates contemporary living with community interaction, offering an elevated green space and exclusive access to local retail necessities.
PUBLIC SPACE
In the Central Business District, urban density limits accessible public spaces. The project addresses this by integrating an elevated green space, offering occupants and passersby a serene escape promoting community interaction and well-being.
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Residents of the Central Business District face challenges accessing essential services. This project tackles this by hosting transportation amenities and on-site retail, including salons, pet daycare, a gym, a juice bar, an ice cream shop, and a culinary space.
The Beacon at South Market, New Orleans, LA, 2016. EskewDumezRipple.
Adapted from a Photo by Timothy Hursley and Evan Joseph.
This is a story about an organization that guides youth toward positive pathways.
MAXIMIZING YOUTH POTENTIAL
Darrin McCall, the Chief of Staff at Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), discusses their comprehensive youth services and programming.
“The mission is to engage underserved young people through mentoring, enrichment, workforce development, and adult education programming to develop their skills and give them the resources to maximize their potential.”
There is a need for programming that provides safe spaces for youth. Direct interactions in homes and schools ensure an understanding of the unique needs, fostering a deeper connection. In response, YEP offers a range of programs to help young people find positive pathways to success and improve their lives. Programs include one-on-one mentoring and wrap-around support services, afterschool and summer camp enrichment programs, adult education to assist
DARRIN M c CALL Chief of Staff Youth Empowerment Project
participants in attaining their high school equivalency diploma, and a work-based learning program focused on employment readiness skills.
In 2020, YEP and EskewDumezRipple collaborated on the redesign of their aging facilities, acknowledging a need for flexibility and ongoing space utilization improvements. The emphasis was on functionality, with aspirations to combine and extend existing program spaces for needed recreational purposes. Despite the financial challenges of funding a major renovation project upfront, the collaboration spurred ongoing ideas, influencing smaller projects for improved space usage.
“There are just so many young people that get left out of the conversation. And I work with a group of people that understand that and want to work to correct some of those inequities.”
BALANCING COMMUNITY NEEDS
In the food apartheid of Central City, a vacant lot was transformed by a local resident into Haley’s Harvest, a thriving community garden. This garden provided fresh, affordable produce and served as a gathering place for neighbors, addressing the lack of access to nutritious, affordable food.
In response to ongoing neighborhood flooding, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) reclaimed the lot for a stormwater management project. While addressing a critical environmental justice issue, it displaced a valuable community
resource and replaced it with a space that serves local residents less directly.
Meanwhile, YEP, located next to the lot, also saw this space as an opportunity for additional recreational space for their youth programs. The green space could have served as an open area for young people to engage in a range of outdoor activities.
The situation demonstrates competing unmet needs and underscores the importance of balancing these needs and perspectives to ensure that resources are effectively utilized.
Previously Haley’s Harvest’s food garden, now a NORA Green lot for stormwater management.
“There are not many places, other than schools, where young people can engage in positive activities and feel safe.
Young people deserve a better service from us, from their city, from everybody.”
- DARRIN MCCALL
This is a story about rebuilding community trust through permanent housing solutions.
BUILDING RELIABLE SHELTERS
Understanding the nuances of race, age, education, health, and economic disparities is crucial for identifying community opportunities, particularly when addressing the multifaceted issue of homelessness. Lou Anne White, founder of Louvis Services, a New Orleans nonprofit focused on ending homelessness through innovative housing solutions, emphasizes this.
In 2023, New Orleans grappled with a significant increase in homelessness, undoing any strides made during the pandemic. According to New Orleans’ 2024 Point in Time Count, which tracks the number of people experiencing homelessness, 1,454 individuals were either on the streets or in shelters. Soaring rents and the expiration of pandemic resources fueled this surge.
LOU ANNE WHITE
Co-Founder Louvis Services
Despite a national decline in homelessness, local rates rose. Since 2022, Homelessness among Black people has risen by 7% and constituted 65% of the unhoused population, along with Latinx homelessness increasing by 162%. While the annual street population remained stable, emergency shelter occupancy spiked by 26%, and family homelessness by 69% between 2021 and 2023. Moreover, older individuals, particularly those over 55 and 64, saw a 31% increase in homelessness from 2017 to 2023.
In this context, Lou Anne’s efforts align with city-wide societal challenges of discrimination prevalent in housing, employment, and education, all of which significantly impact homelessness rates.
2024 Point in Time Count: New Orleans Homelessness Overview, New Orleans, LA, 2024. UNITY of Greater New Orleans.
Transform Communities Through Relationships
NAVIGATING LOANS TO LOTS
“Most of our work is around building partnerships and collaborations to develop housing for people who are homeless, finding creative solutions to support people who are living on the streets and in shelters.”
Reflecting on historical racist loan practices, Lou Anne shared her own struggles in securing loans. Federal Reserve data indicates that while Black-owned businesses frequently seek bank financing, more than 50% are denied loans, double the rate of White-owned businesses. Even when approved, these Black-owned businesses rarely receive full financing.
However, through perseverance and collaboration with local designers, Louvis Services secured four lots from the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) and financing from Black-run organizations, including Hope Credit Union, HousingNOLA’s Own the Crescent program, and NewCorp.
Navigating issues of exploitation is central to Lou Anne’s work. In the broader context of the Lower Ninth Ward, skepticism arose from past experiences, particularly with the Make It Right organization. Lou Anne’s endeavors extend beyond construction; they encompass rebuilding trust and addressing systemic challenges, such as political inertia, stunting progress related to homelessness.
“Sometimes there seems to be no political will. If you don’t vote, then politicians aren’t going to come down here. They’re not going to do anything. It’s like what they say about children; it takes the village, well, it takes the village every time.”
Beyond organizations, communities themselves play a pivotal role in shaping political priorities and fostering meaningful change. It takes partnerships and local action to bring about sustainable transformation.
Small Business Credit Survey: Report on Firms Owned by People of Color, 2021. Federal Reserve.
“People have such a negative attitude about the Lower Nine, but my experience is the Lower Nine is beautiful.
On one side, you have the river, which is really beautiful. On the other side, you have the wetlands, which are also beautiful. And in between, there’s these blighted properties, so we need to build on that.”
- LOU ANNE WHITE, CO-FOUNDER, LOUVIS SERVICES
LOUVIS SERVICES’ TINY HOUSE
Meeting diverse needs and restoring community dignity requires solutions build through reflection, community engagement and partnerships.
Learn From Past Trials and Tribulations
FAME OF A NATURAL DISASTER
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 left deep physical and emotional scars on the landscape. Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation emerged from this desire, aiming to show that the Lower Ninth Ward, often overlooked and labeled as a disadvantaged area, deserved a highdesign rebuild that maintained dignity.
To support this, the foundation held an international design competition, inviting prominent architects like Frank Gehry, David Adjaye, and Shigeru Ban to offer visions of cutting-edge, sustainable housing for the community. The initiative, however, soon proved ambitious, with the costs ballooning.
As the project progressed, some original architects distanced themselves as their designs were altered to cut costs. This led to significant issues. The absence of key features necessary for the subtropical climate, such as gutters, waterproofing, overhangs, and beam coverage, resulted in water intrusion and termite infestations, compounded by mold growth, creating health risks for residents.
For the residents, the narrative shifted from recovery to an architectural showcase. As this all unfolded, the community stood vulnerable, in waiting, reflecting the intricacies of rebuilding.
“We went into it incredibly naive”
“Just thinking we can build homes, how hard is that?”
- BRAD PITT, FOUNDER OF THE MAKE IT RIGHT FOUNDATION
RECKONING OF FAILED PROMISES
Of the 150 homes promised by the Make It Right Foundation, only 109 were completed, many of which were found to be structurally unsound. Most of these homes were ultimately demolished due to hazardous conditions, while others remained in limbo, awaiting repairs. However, the project’s actual cost was not just financial but the erosion of trust within the community. Unmet expectations, misalignment of goals, and growing skepticism toward external intervention continue to affect the neighborhood.
The foundation’s original vision faltered as escalating costs, shifting design priorities, and unforeseen obstacles compounded. These issues left the community burdened with costly repairs, delays, and uncertainty. Legal battles revealed further problems, from the use of unsuitable materials to design changes that compromised the long-term viability of the homes.
In 2022, the Foundation reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit,
compensating homeowners with $20.5 million. While the settlement offered some relief, it could not undo the setbacks or heal the scars left on a community already devastated by disaster and displacement.
The vision of innovative, sustainable housing held significant potential, but its execution fell short due to a lack of careful consideration of the context and the community’s deeper needs. This situation raises larger questions about whether a more balanced, contextually aware approach could have led to a more lasting and meaningful impact.
Today, the initiative serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in large-scale revitalization efforts. EskewDumezRipple’s six homes, in various stages of demolition, renovation, or stabilization, quietly bear witness to the lessons learned. They are a reminder that even well-meaning interventions must be rooted in a deep understanding of place and the evolving needs of the community.
Homes in the Lower Ninth Ward by the Might it Right Foundation, New Orleans, LA, 2016. Adapted from a Photo by Derick E. Hingle. Bloomberg.
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
SPATIAL MAPPING
This map shows that historical disinvestment can decrease access.
Housing Burden
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
Percentiles show how a census tract compares nationally in housing burden, defined by households earning less than 80% of HUD’s Area Median Family Income (AMFI) and spending over 30% of their income on housing costs.
Food Desert
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
96TH
89TH
89TH
LowerNinthWard Neighborhood
92ND
Site
Housing Burden
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
Housing Burden
UNMET COMMUNITY NEEDS
Site: Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood, New Orleans
Location of the Global Green Community Project case study.
IDENTIFY HISTORICAL DISPARITIES IMPACTS
Research historical disparities and assessment of the effectiveness of past interventions can help address unmet community needs better. Examining the works of connected services can lead to insights into specific challenges and opportunities.
For example, in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, the absence
of a local hospital and residents’ reliance on a singular small grocery store force them to travel further, highlighting gaps in accessibility.
Moreover, there are limited public transit options to access resources outside the neighborhood, which, in turn, decreases area livability and reduces local housing investments.
ASSESS HOW SPATIAL FACTORS AFFECT CURRENT GAPS
Examine the geographic distribution of services and barriers to access. The insights gained from spatial mapping can guide short-term and long-term strategies to address critical access gaps and identify root causes that may limit accessibility in specific areas or among certain demographic groups.
HEALTHY FOOD
The Lower 9th Ward lacks accessible chain supermarkets, leaving locals dependent on a single local store for fresh food. Limited public transit options and inadequate infrastructure make traveling to larger stores outside the neighborhood challenging.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Lower Ninth Ward census tracts rank between the 89th and 96th percentiles for housing cost burden, indicating that many households earn less than 80% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI) and allocate over 30% of their income to housing.
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
The Lower Ninth Ward lacks a hospital within its boundaries and faces the challenge of residents having to travel 3-5 miles to reach the closest hospital. As a result, neighborhood clinics have emerged to provide essential healthcare services.
GCCDS AND GLOBAL GREEN HOUSING REBUILD PROJECTS
REFLECT COMMUNITY VOICE THROUGH RESILIENT DESIGN
COMMUNITY CRAFTED RECOVERY
Post-Hurricane Katrina, East Biloxi, Mississippi, faced severe devastation, with nearly half the homes heavily damaged. Rebuild recovery efforts, led by the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio (GCCDS) and the East Biloxi Coordination Center, featured distinct yet complementary strategies. Simultaneously, the East Biloxi Coordination Center acted as a centralized hub, efficiently coordinating local relief efforts and underscoring the vital role of community involvement in rebuilding.
GCCDS homes reflect the playful and nostalgic nature of residences seemingly crafted from imagination. This personalized approach of hand sketching with community members marked a departure from conventional design practices, fostering a unique sense of personal expression in the rebuilding process. It also showcased the resilience and creativity of the community, even in the face of adversity.
In later years, Global Green, located in New Orleans, took a sustainable and climate-conscious approach to reconstruction, epitomized by the LEED Platinum model home within the Holy Cross Project. Between 2008 and 2017, this project opened its doors to over 35,000 visitors, offering insights into green building techniques tailored to the region’s climate.
These initiatives, diverging from previous models like the Make It Right Foundation homes, celebrate the power of community engagement, long-term planning, and recovery. Both organizations also recognize the importance of fostering trust and designing for reliability. Designers can leverage and adapt the strategies of both organizations to contribute to resilient communities. Both collaborative efforts not only rebuild physical structures but also rejuvenate the spirit and identity of affected areas, creating a sense of belonging and hope among residents.
THESE ARE COMMUNITY-DRIVEN RESIDENCE HOUSING UNITS IN LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI
In post-Katrina Biloxi, GCCDS, and in the Lower Ninth Ward, Global Green led personalized and sustainable recovery efforts, emphasizing long-term planning and building community trust. Their work revitalized community spirit, showcasing the power of resilient community engagement.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Both the GCCDS and Global Green initiatives focus on rebuilding homes and communities in a sustainable and personalized manner. They aim to provide affordable and reliable housing options that meet the needs of local residents.
QUALITY EDUCATION
Through working with community members in home design and demonstrating green building techniques in Global Green’s Holy Cross Project, both organizations educate on design through showcased environmental sustainability and climate-resilient practices.
Housing Rebuild Projects, Mississippi and Louisiana. Gulf Coast Community Design Studio and Global Green. Adapted from Photos.
L.B. LANDRY HIGH SCHOOL
INTEGRATE PUBLIC SERVICES FOR BROADER IMPACT
RENEWING CULTURAL LEGACIES
HOLISTIC COMMUNITY SUPPORT
L.B. Landry High School’s postHurricane Katrina rebuild epitomized holistic community renewal. Designed by EskewDumezRipple, it was one of the first public high schools to be rebuilt swiftly under the “quick start” program, symbolizing resilience and a commitment to a brighter future.
The original L.B. Landry High School, established in 1938, was the first high school African American students could attend on New Orleans West Bank and the only second in Orleans Parish. As such, it holds a significant place in the city’s history. As such, it has always retained a significant place in the city’s history.
As the project progressed, it became clear it could meet needs beyond education. Alongside the imperative of providing a safe and conducive learning environment, the design prioritized inclusivity and accessibility. Creating distinct academic ‘houses’ fostered a sense of belonging and
identity for each student across different grade levels, promoting a supportive educational ecosystem.
The impact extended past academics as community stakeholders recognized the profound health disparities exacerbated by the storm’s aftermath. In response to the neighborhood’s unmet healthcare needs, community stakeholders prompted the integration of a full-service health clinic within the school’s premises. Operated by the Louisiana State University System, the clinic offers a range of primary care services, including pediatric, adult, and behavioral health care, bridging the gap in accessible healthcare services for neighborhood residents.
L.B. Landry High School embodies a vision of holistic neighborhood development. Through after-hours public access, the educational institution serves as a dynamic community hub where learning, health, and community engagement converge.
THIS IS A HIGH SCHOOL REBUILD IN NEW ORLEANS, LA, THAT BECAME A CRITICAL COMMUNITY HUB
L.B. Landry High School epitomizes community renewal in New Orleans. Its legacy as an educational space for African Americans underscores the importance of preservation. Beyond academics, integrating a public-facing, full-service health clinic bridges local gaps in healthcare access.
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Accessing healthcare in New Orleans is difficult due to limited facilities, particularly in higher health risk areas. This educational project integrates a full-service health clinic, providing primary care services locally through a partnership with the LSU System.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
New Orleans lacks accessible, culturally significant spaces. This project serves as a vital cultural hub, preserving heritage and diversity through enhanced programming, architectural preservation, and community engagement, fostering community pride.
QUALITY EDUCATION
Many people in New Orleans face barriers to comprehensive education. This project’s modern facility promotes inclusivity and accessibility, while its health clinic enhances academic outcomes by supporting well-being needs that improve performance.
L.B. Landry High School, New Orleans, LA, 2010. EskewDumezRipple. Adapted from a Photo by Timothy Hursley.
E Q U I T Y
INTERSECTIONALITY
RECOGNIZE OVERLAPPING IDENTITIES
ASSESSMENT SUBMETRICS
RACE/ETHNICITY
GENDER IDENTITY
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
DISABILITY STATUS
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS
AGE/GENERATION
RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY
NATIONALITY/CITIZENSHIP
“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.”
- Audre Lorde
Intersectionality is the practice of viewing individuals through multiple lenses, acknowledging the various aspects of their identity, such as race, gender, age, and abilities, which uniquely shape their experiences and opportunities. Originating from critical race theory and feminist studies, this concept, pioneered by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in the late 1980s, emphasizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations. It recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities, and these intersect to influence their social positions and lived realities.
For instance, a Black woman may encounter discrimination not only based on her gender but also due to her race. At the same time, a person with disabilities may face barriers not just because of their disability but also due to societal attitudes towards disability. Intersectionality underscores the importance of considering these intersecting identities together to understand a person’s whole experience comprehensively.
In design, incorporating intersectionality entails recognizing the diverse needs, perspectives, and challenges of individuals with different identities and backgrounds. Designing with intersectionality in mind can foster inclusive environments where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully, regardless of their identity or background. This approach creates a sense of belonging and ensures that solutions meet the diverse needs of the people they serve.
Audre Lorde, writer, feminist, and civil rights activist, The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House, 1979.
RACE/ETHNICITY
A person’s cultural, social, and ancestral background that shapes identity, experiences of discrimination, access to opportunities, and cultural perspectives.
GENDER IDENTITY
A person’s internal sense of their gender, which may differ from the sex assigned at birth, influencing self-expression, social roles, and experiences of gender-based bias.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
The emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction a person feels toward others, impacting personal identity, relationships, social interactions, and experiences of discrimination.
DISABILITY STATUS
A person’s physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health conditions that influence daily functioning, access to services, and experiences of stigma or accessibility barriers.
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS
A person’s economic and social position influenced by income, wealth, education, occupation, resource access, and experiences of economic privilege or disadvantage.
AGE/GENERATION
The stage of life and generational context shaped by years lived, societal roles, shared experiences, opportunities, and exposure to age-related or generational biases.
RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY
A person’s beliefs, practices, values, and affiliations with traditions that shape identity, worldviews, social networks, and experiences of religious discrimination or inclusion.
NATIONALITY/CITIZENSHIP
A person’s legal status, country or culture affiliations, experiences related to migration, language, cultural adaptation, and challenges related to xenophobia and integration.
WE ALL EXPERIENCE SPACE DIFFERENTLY
“It’s too dark here, and I feel vulnerable.”
“The ramp is so far and leads to another entry. Why isn’t there a better way?”
“How do I get the stroller through?”
“I don’t have a car, and the bus stop is so far from the entry.”
Bus Stop
“I can’t understand these signs. Where do I go?”
Entry
“I’m waiting for allowed to sit here?” searched?“
Parking
“I need to rest, but I feel like I’m in everyone’s way.”
“The only genderneutral bathroom has a long line. Why aren’t there more options?”
“This place is only for people who can afford it.”
“It’s so loud and
“These food prices are too expensive.”
These are stories of grassroots organizations actively addressing disparities rooted in identity.
BUILDING FUTURES EQUALLY
By 2019, New Orleans became the first major U.S. city with an all-charter school system, where most public schools are managed by nonprofit organizations. These charter schools operate independently, with control over curriculum, staffing, and scheduling, but must meet strict academic and financial performance standards set by the state and district.
Despite improvements in student outcomes, concerns over nonprofit oversight led to calls for accountability. Notable gaps in equitable educational offerings have also prompted other independent nonprofits to address these disparities through alternative educational models. This has created a grassroots network of alternative education models.
AARON FRUMIN
Founder
unCommon Construction
UnCommon Construction, under Aaron Frumin’s leadership, redefines youth empowerment through hands-on training and implementation of construction projects. To break stereotypes, Aaron champions equality and challenges preconceptions about careers starting in the construction industry.
“There’s a stigma that jobs and careers that start on or around a construction site are dirty and dumb, or they’re for boys only, or they’re a consolation prize for the non-college bound. In actuality, our high school apprentices are 50-50 workforce to college, and we’re agnostic. We believe that both should be presented as equally prestigious.”
EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL ACCESS
Dr. Calvin Mackie’s STEM NOLA engages communities in STEM fields, challenging the notion that STEM is exclusive. The organization bridges disparities by organizing diverse STEM activities, fostering inclusivity, and making STEM accessible to all.
“There’s a belief gap. There’s a belief in certain sectors and pockets of this community that STEM is only for some people.”
In 1892, Homer Plessy, a Black man, boarded a Whites-only train, leading to the Plessy v. Ferguson case that upheld segregation. Today, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), promoting equitable arts education, stands on Homer Plessy Way, near the original site where Plessy boarded.
DR. CALVIN MACKIE
Founder STEM NOLA
While the location was chosen for practical reasons such as size and accessibility, NOCCA’s mission reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equality, echoing Plessy’s legacy.
The supporting organization, the NOCCA Foundation, works to ensure that every student accepted into NOCCA has the means to pay for the supplies, equipment, and other resources they’ll need to study there.
Similar to how NOCCA provides a sanctuary for students to thrive as their authentic selves, organizations like unCommon Construction and STEM NOLA challenge norms and celebrate identity, showing that true transformation happens when education and inclusivity intersect.
“For the first time in years, there is some semblance of us working together as neighborhoods.”
- AMY STELLY, FOUNDER, CLAIBORNE AVENUE ALLIANCE
LENS INTO OVERLAPPING IDENTITIES
Exploring intersectionality and the dynamics of lived experiences can help us understand how power and privilege operate in society.
Intersectionality, a concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, encourages understanding how multiple aspects of identity, such as race, gender, class, and ability, overlap, interact, and influence each other. Rather than viewing these factors in isolation, the focus is on how they collectively influence experiences, shaping the way individuals navigate the world and the opportunities available to them.
For example, education is a key tool for empowerment, but its benefits are often unevenly distributed. For marginalized communities, systemic barriers like stereotypes, underfunded schools, and a lack of trust in institutions make accessing quality education significantly more challenging. These obstacles create gaps in the path to advancement, requiring individuals to navigate an inequitable system designed to favor some more than others.
Understanding intersectionality goes beyond acknowledging others’ challenges; it involves critically examining our own privileges and biases. When advantages feel inherent, striving for equality can appear as a disruption to a way of life that was once unrecognized. What may be
perceived as “normal” or fair may have been tilted in one’s favor all along. Embracing intersectionality allows for the recognition of imbalances, fostering empathy and a collective commitment to creating a more equitable world.
The power of citizens’ voices is undeniable, yet it often encounters resistance within existing systems marked by inequality. Marginalized voices are frequently silenced or dismissed, perpetuating cycles of exclusion and disenfranchisement.
However, by amplifying these voices and building upon existing community networks, there’s an opportunity to mobilize collective action and drive meaningful change. It’s about recognizing the inherent strength within communities and harnessing it to challenge oppressive structures.
This is where design becomes a powerful tool for social transformation. Inclusive design principles challenge stereotypes and create spaces that go beyond traditional notions of accessibility. These spaces recognize and accommodate individuals’ diverse needs and experiences. By considering the overlapping challenges people encounter, such environments foster equity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage, participate, and thrive in community life.
This map shows that shared spaces and overlapping issues have the potential for collaborative solutions.
High Energy Burden
ENERGY COSTS/HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Areas where people spend 6% or more of their income on energy = energy poverty.
HIGH RISK
Site: New Orleans, LA
Various locations of sites under development from the Together New Orleans Community Lighthouses case study.
700 Congregations
ESTIMATED IN NEW ORLEANS
Home to a diverse array of denominations and faiths, reflecting the region’s rich culture.
16 Lighthouses
16 UNDER DEVELOPMENT. 86 PROPOSED.
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS
In 2021, over 149,000 households in Louisiana spent over 20% of their income on home energy costs. This “energy burden” ranked Louisiana as one of the worst energy burdens in the U.S. due to the intersection of high energy bills and high poverty.
RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY
Religion and spirituality are integral to New Orleans’ cultural identity, influencing social dynamics and community support across diverse networks. Catholicism, Protestantism, and Voodoo highlight the city’s rich intersectional heritage.
DISABILITY STATUS
New Orleans has a significant population of individuals with disabilities, a number that increases with age. Disabilities, compounded by race and socioeconomic factors, create disparities in access to resources and overall quality of life.
TOGETHER NEW ORLEANS COMMUNITY LIGHTHOUSES
LEVERAGE EXISTING NETWORKS FOR RESILIENCE
STARTING A RESILIENCE REVOLUTION
Intersectionality traditionally addresses overlapping barriers, but Together New Orleans (TNO) views overlapping disadvantaged identities of religion, race, income, disability, and age as collective strengths. This transforms challenges into opportunities, fostering resilience beyond individual struggles.
In August 2021, after Hurricane Ida, TNO transformed unions, churches, mosques, synagogues, and nonprofits into resilience hubs with solar panels and batteries. These strategically located Community Lighthouses are solar-powered structures that echo successful models like Household of Faith.
Inspired by proof-of-concept projects like EskewDumezRipple’s St. Peter’s Residential and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act incentivizing sustainable infrastructure, TNO’s Community Lighthouses serve as models for community-led solutions. They provide safe spaces for discussing and addressing community issues, emphasizing collective action beyond immediate disaster response.
DESIGNING A CITY-WIDE NETWORK
The initiative aims to establish dozens of Community Lighthouses within a 15-minute walk for all 375,000 residents, promising 20-30% lower electricity bills for participating local institutions. Engagement grows through meetings, voting, and training sessions as the network expands, empowering residents in critical decision-making processes.
The initiative exemplifies how communities can unite on shared struggles to build resilience and create solutions. By bridging diverse institutions and local resources, TNO fosters a proactive approach to community development, where residents play a pivotal role.
With community engagement at its core, TNO ensures that the lighthouses serve practical purposes, such as disaster preparedness, and catalyze economic and environmental benefits. The initiative’s success lies in its ability to harness collective identity struggles into a cohesive force to tackle complex urban challenges.
REPAIR OR REPLACE WINDOWS
INSTALL SOLAR PANELS
THIS IS A PROJECT IN NEW ORLEANS, LA, ABOUT ORGANIZING AROUND SHARED IDENTITY FACTORS
In New Orleans, TNO’s Community Lighthouses, located in trusted religious institutions, leverage overlapping disadvantaged identities to rally people around shared issues, provide affordable electricity, and serve as resilient community hubs, promoting further dialogue and collective action.
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS
Economic disparities and high energy costs impact many New Orleans residents, making affordable electricity crucial. The project aims to reduce institutions’ electricity bills by 20-30% while providing essential energy-based services to the public.
RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY
Religious institutions in New Orleans serve as vital community connectors, offering support and guidance. The initiative leverages trusted institutions to create solarpowered lighthouses, enhancing community support and disaster preparedness.
DISABILITY STATUS
Individuals with disabilities face accessibility barriers and are more vulnerable during disasters. The project ensures accessibility through proximity, inclusive design, and processes developed through community meetings and disaster training.
Community Lighthouse Project, New Orleans, LA. Together New Orleans. Adapted from an Existing TNO Diagram. 111
E Q U I T Y
TARGET AREA VULNERABILITIES
CONSIDER AREA VULNERABILITY INDEXES
ASSESSMENT SUBMETRICS
POVERTY
UNEMPLOYMENT
EDUCATION LEVEL
DIGITAL ACCESS
PUBLIC HEALTH
HEALTH INSURANCE
CRIME RATES
GOVERNANCE STABILITY
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
Target area vulnerabilities refer to specific challenges or weaknesses a community encounters, often influenced by various domino factors such as economic conditions, demographics, and environmental factors. These vulnerabilities can manifest in different facets of community life and affect health, safety, education, employment, and overall well-being. For example, a neighborhood with high unemployment rates may experience increased poverty levels and limited access to economic opportunities, leading to social unrest and higher crime rates.
Recognizing and addressing these vulnerabilities is vital for the community’s development and resilience. By understanding the unique challenges faced by different groups within the community, policymakers and stakeholders can design targeted interventions and allocate resources effectively. This may involve promoting job training and skill development initiatives or creating employment opportunities tailored to a community’s needs.
Moreover, addressing target area vulnerabilities is essential for reducing disparities and promoting social equity. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, racial minorities, and individuals with disabilities, are often disproportionately affected by these challenges. By addressing the root causes of vulnerability and implementing inclusive policies and programs, communities can work towards achieving greater equity and social justice.
Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist, Leadership: A Biographical Guide, 1973. 113
To support communities, identify, assess, and support
Target Area Vulnerabilities .
POVERTY
Persistent lack of income and resources necessary for a decent standard of living, leading to inadequate housing, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Insufficient job opportunities or low employment rates in the area, resulting in financial instability, reduced household incomes, and challenges in meeting basic needs.
EDUCATION LEVEL
Overall attainment and quality of education in an area, including graduation rates, literacy levels, access to educational resources, and opportunities for skill development.
DIGITAL ACCESS
Availability and affordability of digital technologies like internet access, computers, and smartphones, impacting access to online information and economic opportunities.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Overall health status through key metrics like disease prevalence, access to healthcare services, environmental conditions, socioeconomic determinants, and life expectancy.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Rates of health insurance coverage among residents, affecting their ability to access necessary medical care, medications, and treatments without financial hardship.
CRIME RATES
Incidence and prevalence of criminal activities such as property crimes, violent crimes, and drug-related offenses, influencing community safety, trust, and quality of life.
GOVERNANCE STABILITY
The effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of local governance structures, including levels of corruption, rule of law, and civic engagement opportunities.
IMPACT BEYOND SITE BOUNDARIES
Expand the Research Radius
Identify the External Pressures
Design for External Pressures
Create a Broader Impact
“Going down the interstate, we want people to look over there and see, and say,
- CHARLOTTE STEELE,
DIRECTOR,
EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD
This is a story about the consequences of development and its impact on violence.
RESIDENCES, RELATIONS, REALITIES
Chabre Jones, Director of Programs, and a licensed clinical social worker at Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) and a New Orleans native, speaks to the changes in community dynamics. Chabre reflects on housing security’s significance beyond residences, acting as conduits for family legacy.
Often, redevelopment intended for revitalization has led to unintended consequences. Ongoing gentrification has displaced longtime residents, altered historical neighborhood boundaries, and brought different wards (local divisions of the city) closer together, increasing internal tensions.
“Now someone from the Third Ward is living next to someone from the Seventh Ward, and they historically have tension. You have the violence that comes from that. All of this has contributed to even more housing instability due to the increase of individuals living under the bridge. All of it plays a role.”
CHABRE JONES
Director of Programs Youth Empowerment Project
Within these community dynamics, Chabre shares her personal connection to Claiborne Avenue.
“It’s always been a part of my upbringing. When I was a little girl, we drove up Claiborne on a regular basis. It never was a place where we hung out at, or were encouraged to be at. It almost had some sort of seediness or darkness to it.”
The Claiborne Avenue corridor serves as a community hub for events and expression, but the I-10 Expressway above it brings social, economic, and environmental issues. Despite efforts like flower beds, concerns about sustainability arise, given factors like homeless populations, second line gatherings, and neglected parks.
“Parks lately have been places of violence. I don’t see them being utilized the way they should be. I think people are just afraid.”
HEALING COMMUNITY TRAUMAS
It is becoming increasingly critical to recognize and address the enduring effects of violence and community traumas. Chabre speaks to the need to break the cycle.
“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve lost to gun violence in this position and the trauma that it causes because it affects all of us. It’s something that grows and connects us all in a very tragic way. The previous generation has not been treated for their traumas and the things that they need to overcome. It’s just kind of like trickling down. Where can we intervene to stop this from happening to future generations?”
Chabre emphasizes that the changing socioeconomic landscape requires addressing the influx of out-of-state investors, rising housing costs, and the looming threat to the city’s unique cultural identity.
“We have to see ourselves in these spaces too. Somebody has to pass on those stories, pass on those experiences, pass on that knowledge. If we all leave, nothing will be left. So I made a personal choice to be here and be in this space. And I wanted our kids to see people that look like them. People who were from where they were from and could speak to what they’ve been through.”
“They’re afraid to be outside. Darkness scares people and the city is not well lit anymore. How do you expect people to come out and feel comfortable in their community when the infrastructure is not supporting basic things like lighting? “
- CHABRE JONES
NARRATIVE
This
story is about the link between societal perceptions and the incarceration pipeline.
SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES PIPELINE
In Louisiana’s political landscape, recent shifts in legislative priorities indicate a departure from earlier bipartisan reforms, particularly in the juvenile justice sphere. Governor Jeff Landry’s ‘tough-on-crime’ agenda, supported by Republican supermajorities, rolls back measures implemented by the former governor, altering the criminal justice landscape.
This has impacts on organizations like the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR) and Innocence Project New Orleans (IPNO), both grappling with systemic issues in the state’s legal systems, worsened by systemic racism and societal challenges.
PERCENTAGE OF PRISON POP. THAT COMMITTED CRIMES BEFORE AGE 18
KRISTEN ROME
Executive Director
Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights
LCCR, dedicated to the well-being of all Louisiana children, employs a multifaceted approach. Kristen Rome, the Executive Director, outlines LCCR’s goals as addressing root causes like trauma and disabilities, challenging stereotypes of Black children, and striving for genuine rehabilitation.
Shon Williams, sentenced to life at 17, reflects the challenges Black youth face in the legal system. With LCCR’s help, Shon was resentenced and released, now serving as their Reentry Specialist. His story underscores the importance of considering adolescent brain development in sentencing, as it does not predict future behavior.
LOUISIANA STATS ON TOTAL CURRENT PRISON POP. FROM YOUTH CRIMES
Crimes Against Humanity, The Mass Incarceration of Children in the U.S. Report 2023.
7.2% LOUISIANA
ADDRESSING INEQUITIES
Jee Park, Executive Director of IPNO, passionately echoes this pursuit of justice. IPNO represents those wrongfully convicted or subjected to excessive sentences in Louisiana. Jee emphasizes the importance of telling clients’ stories authentically, recognizing them not just as cases but as individuals deeply affected by the complexities of the criminal legal system. Challenges posed by Louisiana’s sentencing laws raise fundamental questions about the premise that excessive punishment ensures public safety, a notion recently reinforced by state legislation.
In Louisiana’s neighborhoods, Black youth face significant challenges due to limited access to resources, opportunities, and safe spaces.
JEE PARK
Executive Director
Innocence Project New Orleans
The lack of quality education and workforce development, along with health disparities, create environments more susceptible to misconduct. Moreover, systemic racism often leads to Black youth being perceived as older than their White peers, resulting in harsher prosecution. This all contributes to a biased cycle of wrongful and excessive incarceration.
Within this web of politics, systemic failures, and societal neglect, LCCR and IPNO seek to provide a lifeline for those ensnared by a legal system that too often perpetuates rather than addresses the root causes of crime. By advocating for reforms and amplifying voices, they strive to create a more equitable future for marginalized communities.
“A young person’s arrest often indicates larger issues. We, as a country, outlawed executing children in 2005. At the time, we were one of the only United Nations member countries that still did that.”
- JEE PARK
BROKEN WINDOWS THEORY
The Broken Windows Theory, developed by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in the 1980s, explores the link between disorder and crime in urban areas. It suggests that visible signs of neglect, like broken windows or graffiti, create an environment conducive to criminal behavior. This theory has two main aspects: minor signs of disorder set the stage for criminal activity, and addressing signs can prevent more serious crimes.
The theory gained attention advocating to target minor offenses, assuming that it would bring more order and deter severe criminal activities. While praised for its simplicity, it faced criticism for impacting marginalized communities disproportionately and oversimplifying complex issues.
Advocates of the theory endorse its pragmatic approach to maintaining public order and preventing crime. They may vouch for simply fixing the broken window, asserting that
addressing visible signs of disorder, in turn, creates safer communities.
Critics argue the theory oversimplifies complex crime factors, leading to the criminalization of poverty and disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. They highlight its neglect of broader systemic issues, like socioeconomic disparities and historical injustices, shaping a community’s conditions.
Understanding the implications of this theory requires navigating its application nuances and acknowledging ongoing debates about its effectiveness. It serves as a reminder that while visible signs of disorder may contribute to a challenging environment, addressing the root causes of crime necessitates a comprehensive and inclusive approach tailored to each community’s unique context.
The Broken Windows Theory remains relevant in states like Louisiana, where, despite efforts to strengthen
ADDRESS NEGLECT IN OUR CITIES
law enforcement, systemic neglect, and historical injustice contribute significantly to disorder, leading to severe socioeconomic decline. This underscores the theory’s premise that visible disorder affects community dynamics, intensifying broader societal challenges.
The theory’s application urges designers to move beyond superficial fixes and address deeper, systemic causes of urban decay, such as inequality and resource scarcity. This involves creating spaces that not only reduce visual clutter but also encourage public participation
and provide services that bridge social divides. Designers can focus on fostering connections, elevating marginalized voices, and incorporating local history while addressing the root causes of urban blight. By prioritizing prevention through design, urban spaces can drive social change and minimize reliance on punitive measures that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.
By adopting these strategies, designers can drive immediate interventions and systemic changes to strengthen communities.
McKee, Adam J., “Broken Windows Theory,”
THE DOMINO EFFECT
In at-risk communities, fragile stability means challenges can trigger a domino effect, worsening underlying issues.
“Who’s going to save our children? Who’s going to save our community? How can we say we want things better if we don’t stay and make it better?”
- CHABRE JONES, CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
ACCESSTO RESOURCES
EDUCATION
UNEMPLOYMENT
POVERTY
CRIME JOBOPPORTUNITY
POOR HEALTH
TARGET AREA VULNERABILITIES
SPATIAL MAPPING >97TH >90TH
This map shows how vulnerable communities often experience a cycle, where one issue influences another.
Crime Rate
CRIME RATE HOT SPOTS
Neighborhoods with historically high crime rates and in some areas, police response times.
HIGH RISK
Unemployment
RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT
Public Health
COMBINED HEALTH PRIORITIES
Poverty
Poverty
HIGH RISK
ASSESS OVERALL VULNERABILITY PATTERNS
Assessing vulnerability patterns requires examining various factors, with New Orleans serving as a useful example. In this example, poverty intertwines with unemployment rates, creating a cycle that perpetuates economic instability and amplifies vulnerability. This economic strain often manifests in adverse health
outcomes, including higher incidences of chronic diseases such as asthma, kidney disease, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and hypertension, further exacerbating vulnerability. Moreover, the correlation between economic hardship and crime rates becomes apparent, with impoverished areas experiencing higher levels of crime.
ASSESS HOW THESE FACTORS INCREASE VULNERABILITY
Following a general assessment of vulnerability, dive into each submetric to determine specific drivers of vulnerability. This involves analyzing socioeconomic factors, environmental impact, institutional capacities, and community dynamics that contribute to heightened susceptibility to risks and hazards.
CRIME RATES
New Orleans grapples with persistent crime issues, notably in historically vulnerable neighborhoods. Despite community efforts and revitalization attempts, these areas continue to face challenges with crime, particularly violent offenses and robberies.
POVERTY
In New Orleans, almost a quarter of the population lives below the federal poverty line, facing significant economic hardship. Low employment and educational attainment rates exacerbate this strain, which limit opportunities for upward mobility.
PUBLIC HEALTH
In New Orleans, there is a prevalence of health vulnerabilities such as asthma, kidney and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, mental health, and physical inactivity. Each risk is classified as high compared to U.S. city averages.
PLAYBUILD AND TINY WPA
“Everybody wants to build. Everyone has something they want to fix or make better.”
-
ALEX GILLIAM , CO-FOUNDER, TINY WPA
PUBLIC SPACES FOR LEARNING
RESILIENCE THROUGH PLAY
PlayBuild NOLA is a dynamic force in New Orleans, breathing life into forgotten spaces and transforming them into vibrant havens for youth. Their mission extends beyond play; it’s a quest to nurture creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning in underserved communities. By converting vacant lots into interactive classrooms and community hubs, PlayBuild injects hope into neighborhoods marred by systemic neglect. These spaces not only provide places to play but also serve as catalysts for educational and social growth, addressing critical voids in community infrastructure.
Early on, PlayBuild drew inspiration from Tiny WPA’s model in Philadelphia, which embodies a similar ethos through community-driven design interventions. Tiny WPA empowers youth through various trainings and community build projects, working with local residents to reimagine and reshape their surroundings. This approach makes tangible impacts on the urban
fabric. Their pandemic response went beyond mere desk-building; it focused on creating dedicated spaces for learning within homes, directly addressing the overlooked challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Play isn’t just a childhood indulgence; it’s a powerful tool for healing trauma, building community power, and addressing systemic issues. Initiatives like PlayBuild NOLA and Tiny WPA embody resilience, creating safe spaces for engagement and learning that confront the complex factors contributing to the pipelines of violence and incarceration that often impact disadvantaged youth. By infusing creativity into urban landscapes, they lay the groundwork for a more equitable, inclusive, and joyful future. In this context, ‘play’ is not just an activity but a fundamental way to explore the world, build relationships, and shift the focus from play as a product to play as a process.
THESE ARE ORGANIZATIONS THAT USE PLAY TO ENHANCE YOUTH EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
PlayBuild NOLA in New Orleans revitalizes spaces for youth, fostering creativity and addressing gaps for growth effectively. Tiny WPA in Philadelphia empowers youth through design interventions, countering challenges in marginalized communities with innovation and collective strength.
POVERTY
In cities like New Orleans and Philadelphia, poverty leaves communities without essential resources and growth opportunities. Both organizations address this by offering underserved youth creative and educational spaces to foster development.
EDUCATION LEVEL
Cities like New Orleans and Philadelphia struggle with low graduation rates and access to quality education. Both organizations create environments that nurture a love for learning, providing educational programs and workshops that empower youth.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Socioeconomic disparities and unsafe environments shape public health in cities like New Orleans and Philadelphia. Initiatives by organizations like these improve community well-being by providing safe, healthy spaces and engaging youth.
CRIME RATES
High crime rates in cities like New Orleans and Philadelphia are linked to systemic neglect and a lack of positive outlets for youth. Safe, engaging spaces that offer alternatives to violence, fostering community cohesion through constructive projects.
E Q U I T Y
YES TO ENGAGEMENT
FIND ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
ASSESSMENT SUBMETRICS
AEIOU/ELITO METHOD
SHADOWING
KJ METHOD
COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS
PROGRAM SYNERGIES
PERSONAS
PUBLIC MEETING
OPEN HOUSE
Community Engagement Research Fellowship, New Orleans, LA, 2014. EskewDumezRipple. Chapter Context Drawn from Previous Fellowship.
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
- Edward Everett Hale
“Yes to Engagement” embodies the collaborative efforts of community members to address shared concerns, foster meaningful dialogue, and co-create solutions. This approach cultivates transparency and trust while avoiding redundancy of past failures and enhancing the effectiveness of projects. To fully harness the potential of community engagement, it is essential to identify relevant stakeholders and use tailored engagement methods at each stage of a project’s lifecycle.
Involving community members from the outset allows projects to benefit from the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of those directly impacted. This fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, enabling stakeholders to feel valued and included in the decision-making process. Recognizing that some engagement efforts may extend beyond a designer’s immediate reach, it is beneficial to explore additional ways to offer expertise.
To maximize the impact of community engagement, it is essential to identify and implement methods that align with the characteristics and preferences of diverse stakeholders. A combination of approaches is effective at accommodating varying levels of accessibility and diverse communication styles. Embracing these strategies enables the creation of inclusive and effective engagement processes, leading to more meaningful and sustainable community outcomes.
Edward Everett Hale, author and minister, The Man Without a Country, 1863. 131
AEIOU/ELITO METHOD
AEIOU organizes observations by activities, environment, interactions, objects, and users, while ELITO focuses on emotions, location, information, tasks, and organizations.
SHADOWING
Process of tracking stakeholder behavior in real-time situations to gain insights into their daily experiences and behaviors, helping test assumptions and refine information.
KJ METHOD
This method named after Jiro Kawakita works towards group consensus by having all participants record thoughts and questions about an issue, allowing patterns to emerge.
COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS
Trained community members deliver project information, collect additional information from stakeholders, and maintain continuity before and after project completion.
PROGRAM SYNERGIES
Process of coordinating with related ongoing projects or programs to align efforts, support project outcomes, build allies, and benefit larger community goals.
PERSONAS
Process of consolidating behavior patterns into representative profiles to humanize the design focus, test scenarios, and aid design communication within specific contexts.
PUBLIC MEETING
Large public comment meetings for collecting or distributing relevant information among stakeholders, especially useful for projects involving large groups.
OPEN HOUSE
A showcase for stakeholders and/or the public that shares information, and celebrates milestones, fostering communication and building trust among stakeholders.
LET’S SET UP A QUICK ENGAGEMENT PLAN.
IDENTIFY PROJECT TYPE
IDENTIFY STAKEHOLDERS CREATE A TIMELINE ASSIGN TYPES OF ENGAGEMENT
THE BOUNDARY OBJECT THEORY
The Boundary Object Theory: A framework used to facilitate collaboration and communication among diverse stakeholders by bridging distinct interests into a shared understanding and alignment around common goals, despite differing perspectives, benefits, and priorities.
How do we benefit from this goal?
Common Understanding of the Boundary Object in Both Communities
Unique Meaning of the Boundary Object in Community A
DESIGNERS
Unique Meaning of the Boundary Object in Community C
CLIENTS
How does the client benefit from this goal?
Unique Meaning of the Boundary Object in Community B
How does the community benefit from this goal?
Trace Past Practices
SYSTEMIC URBAN INJUSTICE
The Claiborne Avenue Expressway in New Orleans is steeped in systemic racism and biased urban planning. Emerging in the mid-20th century, redlining, a discriminatory practice employed by various federal entities, exacerbated racial segregation by categorizing neighborhoods and confining people of color to segregated areas, deepening resource disparities. Simultaneously, the Federal Highway Act of 1956 and urban renewal initiatives set the stage for large-scale infrastructure projects, often prioritized over community well-being.
The Claiborne Avenue Expressway, developed during this time, sliced through the vibrant, historically Black neighborhoods of Tremé and
the Seventh Ward, resulting in the destruction of around 500 homes and 326 businesses, most of which were owned by Black residents.
Highways, essential to American life, significantly shape communities and influence jobs, housing, schools, and recreational opportunities. However, the advantages of living near roads come with serious downsides, such as constant exposure to air and noise pollution from traffic. These effects, often overlooked by residents accustomed to them, can lead to long-term health issues, including respiratory problems and increased stress levels, ultimately impacting the quality of life for those in proximity to these thoroughfares.
HIGHWAY HEALTH HAZARDS
Studies, such as the Louisville Case Study, show that those living, working, or attending school near highways face increased exposure to air pollution and noise, leading to serious health issues like lung disease, stroke, and premature birth. The concentration of pollutants especially endangers vulnerable populations. This proximity also drives down property values, disproportionately impacting people of color and lower-income communities, further preventing them from building generational wealth.
A Louisville, Kentucky, city report showed that 13% of residents live within 300 meters of federally designated interstates, facing heightened pollution. It also found
that lower-income households, those receiving food stamps, and those without vehicle access face even higher exposure. Federal grants, like those from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, offer opportunities to invest in highway removal, pollution barriers, and cleaner roadway designs. These investments can create neighborhoods less dependent on cars, improving public health.
The Claiborne Avenue Expressway, among other highways, illustrates the long-term, multi-faceted consequences for residents living nearby. Addressing these impacts through targeted policy and design interventions is essential for creating healthier and more equitable urban environments.
The Claiborne Ave. Expressway, New Orleans, LA. Adapted from a Photo by William Widmer. The New York Times.
The Polluted Life Near the Highway, Louisville Case Study, 2022. Gabe Samuels, Yonah Freemark.
This is a story about restoring cultural identity amid community dissolution.
RESTORING COMMUNITY VISION
In New Orleans, where history and heritage intertwine with the scars of the past, Bryan Lee, principal at Colloqate Design, dedicates his architectural practice to design justice.
Bryan’s journey began with the Bell School and the African American Museum, establishing his connection to the Treme and Claiborne Avenue area. As the Place and Civic Design Director for the Arts Council of New Orleans from 2015 to 2017, he played a pivotal role in shaping the vision for the Claiborne Avenue corridor, an area long affected by a 60-year-old highway project that had hindered its potential.
BRYAN LEE JR.
Founder Colloqate Design
“Around 1965 to 70, there was a group of organizers and activists who put together a package that looked at the sociocultural and geocultural parameters of the corridor. It captured the impact of the highway on educational, economic, and wealth outcomes, and the displacement that happened as a byproduct.”
The 1972 vision aimed to create spaces for learning, build safe relationships, and increase economic growth. However, it was shelved for 40 years until Hurricane Katrina reignited the conversation, now under entirely different circumstances.
“In 1972, there were four or five times the number of people in the Treme. There were significantly more Black and Brown people and a significant amount of homes were owned by Black people in that neighborhood, which is the complete opposite now.”
Ralston Crawford Collection of Jazz Photography, Hogan Jazz Archive, Photo by Ralston Crawford.
ENSURING CULTURAL CONTINUITY
Bryan emphasizes the challenge of bringing people back and ensuring that the Claiborne Innovation District (CID) isn’t merely a monument but a living testament to the city’s culture.
“There are now 4,000 people in the Treme versus 20,000 who were there in the 70s. It’s hard to fathom how you navigate that.”
The stark decline in population and persistent affordability challenges underscore the urgent need for thoughtful approaches to bring people back. The area’s history is
already rich with memories, from Fats Domino’s gambling to Congo Square’s vibrant cultural gatherings and the lively scenes under the bridge during Mardi Gras and St. Joseph’s Night.
In response, Colloqate Design is collaborating on a demonstration block to introduce design concepts for the larger 19-block area. They believe that through equitable infrastructure, meaningful community engagement, and respect for New Orleans’ cultural fabric, they can lay the groundwork for a district that restores and sustains the spirit of the Treme Neighborhood.
“It’s a vision that exists as a byproduct of a ghostly past. A past that no longer exists. I don’t think it’s a rethread. I think it’s an homage. We’re not trying to restore or go back to. We’re trying to reincarnate.
CID Market, Colloqate. Design. Network for Economic Opportunity. City of New Orleans.
This is a story about urban development patterns that have historically overlooked community needs.
BENEATH THE I-10 HIGHWAY
Noise Reading Taken Beneath
Amy Stelly stood in the shadow of the highway, her voice barely rising above the incessant drone of passing cars. Someone tried to get her attention over the noise.
“That’s my point. You can’t hear. This is why it’s undesirable to build anything under a highway. It’s not rush hour. You can’t imagine what this noise is like during rush hour.”
Amy Stelly, urban planner, activist, and founder of the Claiborne Avenue Alliance, advocates for the removal of a segment of the I-10 highway. In the 1960s, the Federal-Aid Highway Act led to the construction of highways across the U.S., often dividing and displacing established predominantly Black neighborhoods, like Treme in New Orleans. This resulted in significant social and economic disruptions.
FINDINGS
Amy had collaborated with faculty and students from Louisiana State University (LSU) to measure noise, heat, and particulate matter areas directly
AMY STELLY Founder
Claiborne Avenue Alliance
next to or underneath the highway, including residential neighborhoods and parks. Their findings revealed dangerous air and noise pollution levels, which can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other health risks. As a result, Amy questions the city’s continued insistence on redevelopment without mitigation.
“It is not wise to continue to plan to build recreational spaces under a highway, which is what the city is insisting on. I don’t understand it. Many people don’t understand it.”
the Claiborne Expressway, New Orleans, LA, 2023. LSU School of Public Health.
“There’s a lot of history here that should be respected, but unfortunately, when the bottom line is profit and not people, things change.”
- AMY STELLY
VOICES AGAINST NEGLECT
Amy emphasizes that the highway is not an isolated issue and points out various landmarks throughout the city, each with their own story.
“In New Orleans, we build buildings that force other viable buildings to become obsolete. It is a pattern.”
Armstrong Park and the Municipal Auditorium inside it highlight this issue. Rather than repurposing the vacant auditorium, a new performing arts center was built beside it, leaving the original structure neglected. Over time, the park itself has also become less maintained and accessible, further demonstrating a trend of prioritizing new developments over the care and revitalization of existing spaces.
Amy is determined to prevent her city from failing due to poor planning decisions. She has witnessed a pattern of rushed, uninformed, or underfunded projects that will likely become eyesores. This is common in many American cities, where urban renewal efforts often neglect preserving existing communities, frequently due to a lack of local representation.
“The city is divided right now, but the city is divided because we as a population don’t have the data we need to have a fruitful discussion.”
Amy shared her perspective through vivid sensory details, inviting an understanding of the urgency of preserving character and livability. In her eyes, Treme is defined by beautifully restored buildings, historic homes, local shops where everyone knows each other, and the Esplanade Ridge, an area she proudly calls home.
She recounted stories of Treme’s past, from its formation on the former Morand Plantation to the more recent challenges of gentrification and city planning. Yet, despite these pressures, traditions like the weekly drum circle in Congo Square endure, sustaining the community’s vibrant spirit.
Courtesy of the John Bernard Archive at the Historic New Orleans Collection. Photo by John Bernard.
This map shows that finding existing organizations offers a wealth of contextual strategies to learn from and leverage.
>6,000 Nonprofits
GREATER NEW ORLEANS AREA
19% Nonprofit Workers
CENTRAL CITY EMPLOYMENT
CentralCityNeighborhood
IDENTIFY EXISTING AREA ORGANIZATIONS
To effectively address community needs and ensure successful interventions, designers should first identify existing organizations operating within an area. This can involve mapping out local nonprofits, agencies, and community groups to understand the landscape of services and resources available.
Identifying these organizations is key for several reasons: it prevents redundancy, encourages collaboration, and helps in leveraging existing expertise and networks. By understanding who is already active in a community, designers can build on current efforts and create integrated and sustainable solutions.
DETERMINE WHAT STRATEGIES CAN BE USED OR BUILT UPON
Evaluate the identified organizations to understand their established methods, organizational structures, and potential stakeholders. Use insights from this process to determine tailored engagement strategies, refining approaches based on what has worked well for the community’s unique needs.
“Central City is overstudied. I used to say Central City is the petri dish of nonprofit activity.
Going back 15 years, you had to justify your funding by census tracks. It used to line up perfectly [in Central City], where crossing the census tract boundary would take you from a wealthy area to a poor area, which is why it had more nonprofits than anywhere else in the city.”
- MICHAEL ROBINSON, LEAD ORGANIZER JERICHO ROAD EPISCOPAL HOUSING
NOMA 2.0 AND GROW DAT YOUTH FARM
ALLOW EXISTING PROCESSES TO INFORM DESIGN
EXPAND CULTURAL PRACTICES
In Copenhagen, Denmark, the recently closed Noma 2.0 showcased the integration of sustainable design with innovative gastronomy. Located in the Christiania community, the project, led by chef René Redzepi and designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, transformed a historic warehouse into a dynamic restaurant village.
Informed by a shadowing study of operations, its panopticon-inspired layout featured open kitchens and strategic observation points to enhance workflow and transparency. Urban farming practices like rooftop gardens and hydroponic systems reduced reliance on suppliers, aligning with larger sustainability goals. While its contributions to Copenhagen’s food and design scene were significant, the model lacked community relevance, catering to elite dining experiences rather than fostering broader cultural exchange.
In contrast, Grow Dat Youth Farm in New Orleans operates a two-anda-half-acre sustainable farm in City Park, producing 50,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. Grow Dat provides affordable, locally grown
food to underserved communities and addresses food apartheid. The farm’s lack of traditional fences fosters accessibility and shared ownership amongst the community. Grow Dat also emphasizes youth engagement through leadership training and sustainable farming education. When funding challenges threatened the farm’s existence, the community rallied to protect it, emphasizing its vital role in addressing local needs and ensuring its continued impact.
These projects demonstrate targeted engagement for different purposes: Noma 2.0 focused on sustainability and efficiency, while Grow Dat centered on equity and community needs. Both underscore the importance of aligning design with the intent of engagement.
Grow Dat Youth Farm, New Orleans, LA. City Park.
THIS IS A RESTAURANT VILLAGE IN DENMARK THAT PROMOTES CIRCULAR AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
Noma 2.0, located in Copenhagen, Denmark’s Christiania community, transformed a historic warehouse into a restaurant village. Led by chef René Redzepi and designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, the project’s engagement focused on enhancing operational efficiency and aligning with sustainable farming goals.
SHADOWING
A thorough study of restaurant operations was conducted to tailor the design for enhanced efficiency. From this emerged a panopticon-inspired layout featuring an open kitchen with strategic observation points, for improved communication and workflow.
PROGRAM SYNERGIES
To meet the local demand for sustainable food production, Noma 2.0 integrated urban farming practices like rooftop gardens and hydroponic systems. This enabled on-site cultivation, reducing reliance on suppliers and lowering transportation emissions.
OPEN HOUSE
Despite its exclusivity, Noma 2.0 created interaction through the blur of public-private space, achieved with transparent design and minimal landscape disruption. This engaged locals in the full farm-to-table process without physically opening the space.
NOMA 2.0, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2018. Adapted from a Photo by Rasmus Hjortshoj. Bjarke Ingels Group. 145
11TH STREET BRIDGE PARK
RECONNECT NEIGHBORHOODS FOR LOCAL REVITALIZATION
11 TH STREET BRIDGE CONNECTOR
The Anacostia River, partially dividing Washington, D.C., symbolizes historical economic and racial disparities. The affluent Ward 6, predominantly White, has a median income of $129,000, while the Ward 8, predominantly Black, has a median income of $45,000. The 11th Street Bridge Park seeks to address divisive urban projects by reconnecting neighborhoods and revitalizing the historically neglected east side of D.C., fostering inclusion.
The 11th Street Bridge Park, a collaboration between the nonprofit Building Bridges Across the River and the DC government, will repurpose the old 11th Street Bridge into the city’s first elevated park. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and equity, having involved hundreds of neighborhood meetings over two years to shape its design.
Architecture firms OMA and OLIN integrated community feedback into a world-class public space dedicated to recreation, the arts, and environmental
education. To ensure inclusive growth, the project developed an Equitable Development Plan (EDP) and secured over $10 million to implement its strategies. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) committed $63 million through its Elevating Equity initiative, which focused on equity in the park’s impact area to mitigate displacement and gentrification.
In response to extensive community feedback, the park’s key features will include outdoor performance spaces, playgrounds, urban agriculture, an environmental education center, public art installations, and kayak and canoe launches.
The park will symbolize unity by connecting the Capitol Hill/ Navy Yard neighborhoods on the West with the historically isolated Anacostia/Fairlawn neighborhoods on the East. Its “X” shape provides elevated decks for vistas and shaded pathways, accommodating both dedicated and casual uses.
THIS IS AN ELEVATED PARK PROJECT IN D.C. AIMED TO RECONNECT HISTORICALLY DIVIDED AREAS
The 11th Street Bridge Park project aims to transform an old bridge into Washington, D.C.’s first elevated park, bridging communities across the Anacostia River. The project ensured equity and local support through early planning and extensive, intentional involvement of diverse stakeholders.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Given the project’s aim to bridge significant economic and social divides, there was a need to collect wide-ranging input. The project held hundreds of neighborhood meetings over two years, ensuring the voices from both sides of the river were heard.
COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS
The complexity and scale of the project required ongoing community engagement. A series of half-day brainstorming sessions with key stakeholders acting as community ambassadors allowed this to ensure local residents remain informed and involved.
PROGRAM SYNERGIES
Maximizing impact and fostering broader community support necessitated aligning with existing initiatives. Partnering with local nonprofits and allocating project real estate to local businesses enabled direct, sustained investments in the community.
11th Street Bridge Park, Washington D.C., Unbuilt. OMA and Jason Long. Adapted from
THE THADEN SCHOOL
ENHANCE EDUCATION WITH COLLABORATIVE DESIGN
PROMOTING HANDS-ON EDUCATION
The Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas, exemplifies innovative educational design through the collaboration of Marlon Blackwell Architects and EskewDumezRipple.
The 26-acre campus bridges hands-on learning and community engagement, showcased in the school’s signature programs: Wheels, Meals, and Reels, focusing on physics, biology, chemistry, and visual communication. The master plan, developed in a process that engaged over 30 local nonprofit partner organizations, landscape architects Andropogon, and engineering firm CMTA, adopts an “urban pastoral” approach, blending modern urbanism with historical agricultural elements inspired by local chicken farms.
Central to the project’s success was integrated community engagement.
Over thirty stakeholders, including school leaders, design staff, and representatives from local nonprofits, participated in shaping the master plan. This collaboration ensured the campus would support academic
excellence and foster strong community connections. The unique curriculum provides students with real-world ‘learning by doing’ opportunities in various arts, culinary fields, bicycling, and community service.
The school buildings are dispersed across the site. Marlon Blackwell Architects designed 6 of the 7 campus buildings with climate-responsive features, using long, narrow bent forms to control sun exposure, facilitate natural ventilation, and frame gathering spaces. Their approach focused on creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments to support a ‘whole student/whole body’ pedagogy.
EskewDumezRipple designed the Home Building, the campus’s social and spiritual hub, which includes a dining hall, teaching kitchen, library, and lounge areas. The design reflects precedents in the landscape, notably the idea of the Ozark farmhouse with sustainable design strategies and an indoor-outdoor orientation.
THIS IS A SCHOOL CAMPUS IN ARKANSAS THAT USES ITS LANDSCAPE AS A PLATFORM FOR LEARNING
The Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas, is an educational campus by Marlon Blackwell Architects and EskewDumezRipple, emphasizing hands-on learning and community engagement. The involvement of over 30 stakeholders and nonprofits allowed for the creation of real-world learning opportunities.
COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS
In a community-centric project, identifying community ambassadors is crucial for ongoing engagement. Leveraging local individuals familiar with the area’s dynamics ensured a continuous flow of information between stakeholders and the design team.
PROGRAM SYNERGIES
For a complex, large-scale project, coordinating with related ongoing initiatives can align efforts and cultivate broader community support. The Thaden School integrated complementary programs, enriching the educational experience.
AEIOU/ELITO METHOD
Using these methods, the project studied how stakeholders interacted, ensuring community activities were well integrated. This helped turn observations into actionable ideas, creating a cohesive environment that matched the campus goals.
The Thaden School, Bentonville, AR, 2019. Marlon Blackwell Architects. EskewDumezRipple. Adapted from Photos by Timothy Hursley and Dero Sanford. 149
THE THADEN SCHOOL
Stakeholders reveal relationships with people and place, allowing design to extend and enhance these connections.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ORGANIZATIONS
During my fellowship, I had the privilege of engaging with neighborhood stakeholders from a diverse range of organizations through conversations, collaborative projects, site visits, and community events. These interactions provided invaluable insights into how grassroots efforts can drive change at both local and systemic levels. Learning from their hands-on experiences and innovative approaches has deepened my understanding of how community-driven solutions can scale to address broader challenges. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness how these efforts transform neighborhoods and contribute to larger movements for lasting change.
Alongside the individuals directly referenced in this book, I want to acknowledge the following organizations whose work enriched my perspective on design for climate and environmental justice.
New Orleans Redevelopment Authority
Tulane, Critical Visualization and Media Lab
Tulane, Phyllis M. Taylor Center for Social Innovation
LSU, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Together New Orleans
HousingNOLA
Dana Brown & Associates
Waggonner & Ball
Gulf Coast Community Design Studio
The Undivided Project
PlayBuild New Orleans
Tiny WPA
Sustaining Our Urban Landscape
Sankofa New Orleans
River Road African American Museum
The Neighborhood Design Center
The River East Design Center
BLDUS Washington D.C.
National Organization of Minority Architects-Louisiana
Black Women in Architecture Network
Design For Freedom by Grace Farms
Science History Institute Center for Oral History
Environmental Protection Agency
FACES OF THE BOOK
DANA ENESS
Executive Director, The Urban Conservancy
CHARLOTTE STEELE Director, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans
AARON FRUMIN Founder, unCommon Construction
MICHAEL ROBINSON
Lead Organizer, Jericho Road Episcopal Housing
ALISON TOUSSAINT-LEBEAUX
Community Stakeholder, Property Owner
DR. CALVIN MACKIE Founder, STEM NOLA
JEE PARK
Executive Director, Innocence Project New Orleans
PAMELA WALDRON-MOORE Professor of Political Science, Xavier University
DARRIN M c CALL Chief of Staff, Youth Empowerment Project
CHABRE JONES Director of Programs, Youth Empowerment Project
AMY STELLY Founder, Claiborne Avenue Alliance
DIMITRI CELIS
Program Director, Recirculating Farms
LOU ANNE WHITE Co-Founder, Louvis Services
KRISTEN ROME Executive Director, Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights
BRYAN LEE JR. Founder, Colloqate Design
Fellowship Director: Z Smith
Copywriting: Aïda Ayuk
Art Direction: Rhiannon Hare
Graphic Design: Aïda Ayuk, Rhiannon Hare
Photography:
Front Yard Initiative (FYI), Urban Conservancy. Sketch from a FYI participant.
Front Yard Initiative, Urban Conservancy. Ongoing. FYI Project Before and After.
Crescent Park, New Orleans, LA, 2014. EskewDumezRipple, Hargreaves Associates. Photo by Tim Hursley.
Palazzo Italia, Italy Pavilion Milan Expo, Milan, Italy, 2015. Nemesi & Partners. Adapted from a Photo by Luigi Filetici.
The Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans, LA, 2015. The Washington Post. Adapted from a Photo by Ricky Carioti.
Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center, New Orleans, LA, 2012. EskewDumezRipple. Photo by Tim Hursley and Timothy Dunford.
St. Peter Residential, New Orleans, LA, 2020. EskewDumezRipple. Adapted from a Photo.
Crescent City Community Garden and Urban Farm in Central City, New Orleans, LA. Recirculating Farms.
Edible Schoolyard Garden at Phillis Wheatley Community School, New Orleans, LA, 2017. EskewDumezRipple. Adapted from a Photo.
The Beacon at South Market, New Orleans, LA, 2016. EskewDumezRipple. Adapted from a Photo by Timothy Hursley and Evan Joseph.
Louvis Services Tiny House Prototype, New Orleans, LA. Adapted from a Photo.
Homes in the Lower Ninth Ward by the Might it Right Foundation, New Orleans, LA, 2016. Adapted from a Photo by Derick E. Hingle. Bloomberg.
Housing Rebuild Projects, Mississippi and Louisiana. Gulf Coast Community Design Studio and Global Green. Adapted from Photos.
L.B. Landry High School, New Orleans, LA, 2010. EskewDumezRipple. Adapted from a Photo by Timothy Hursley.
Community Engagement Photos, PlayBuild and Tiny WPA, New Orleans, LA. Adapted from Photos by PlayBuild and Tiny WPA.
NEW ORLEANS + WASHINGTON DC
EskewDumezRipple is a nationally honored architecture, interiors and urban planning firm recognized for producing innovative projects grounded by a strong understanding of context, culture, and environment. With offices in New Orleans, LA, and Washington, DC, the firm builds across the country and around the world, with the goal of integrating beauty and performance.
eskewdumezripple.com
